MEETINGS OF HOUSEHOLDERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1574, 28 April 1887, Page 2

MEETINGS OF HOUSEHOLDERS.

GERALDINE. • The annual meeting of householders lor the purpose of electing a Committee' for the Gei'iddine Public School was held on Monday. There was a very large attendance. Mr N. Dunlop, Chairman of tbe retiring Committee, presided. MINUTES., The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed. ;j " , ANNUAL KEPORT. The annual report of tho Committee was read by the Chairman v ’ Obntlkmen, —Tour Committee beg to lay before you a report of its proceedings daring the past year, and also an account of the main events of interest that h*y* occurred in connection with the school during that time. The average attendance has slightly- in-

creased, as the following willnhow:— Average attendance for year-1885 ..,171.8 , For quarter ending March ,31st -. ... 190^ it ii June 30lh ... 189 ; „ ii. ii September,SOth ... 189 I, ii i, December 31st 198 Average attendance for year,., ... 192 Number on register at end of year ... 235 The school was' examined by the Board*! Inspector on the 17th and 18th of December, ' and the report was received early in January, This report, which has riot been published but which may be seed »n «p plication to the Chairman of Committee, shows' that " the school'is not in such an"efficient state as it has been during the past two or three years, but it must be remembered that the circumstances of the school have been such ae almost to preclude the possibility of obtaining good results.' During the year three changes have taken place in the ship, and .that fact, together .with the,low average’age at' which the children are presented for the Standards, will in a great measure account for the large number of failures, which the report.discloses, ’ Tour Committee think it 'nnhecSSsar'y‘to ’ quote the Inspector’s report in fall/ end merely mention ,that the percentage of passe* is 62, and that the Inspector ' recognises the disadvantages, under which the sobool hac labored, as in tfaie. opening sentence of the report he says “The history, of., tbeiohool during the past year has been eVenlful.ind sad.” " .

Three pupil teachers presented themselves for examination in June, and of then two passed, one being third "and theother fourth on the list. ‘ ■ The two hove wh" lust: year attained aoholarshipi were th a fear competitors for senior scholarships, and one of them proved successful. As has already been mentioned several changes have taken place in the headmaster ship. During the year Mr Hughes, who had occupied the position for nine years, resigned bis appointment in ] t July last, and his plaoe was filled by Mr G. B. Turnbull, who held the position till the end. of November,-when ii was again rendered vacant by the untimely death of that gentlemen. From the begin*' ning of December to the end of February the vacancy was filled by Mr W, Hiilop. Mr James Aitken was appointed Bead Master in January last, and’assumed bis duties on the Ist March. In’ addition to these changes other changes have ‘taken place in the staff—Mr Albert Enkind, whose term of pupUteacheribip expired in Jane last, was in July appointed to the portion of { first assistant, and at the end of December Miss Hamilton, mistress, resigned her position. Miss M, 0. Pearson, of the Winchester School, has been chosen to fill Miss Hamilton’s place. . ’ ’ Twelve meetings of the Committee have been held during the year, the average attend* ance at which has been five* .

’ ' 'The school has been visited oneo every month, and the Committee is pleased to state that notwithstanding the numerous changes in the staff of the school the report* of the visitors have always been satisfactory. The tohool closed for the Christmas holiday* on December 33rd and re-opened on January 17tht The prises, which bad been selected by the late Hr Turnbull and Miss Hamilton, were distributed on December 23rd. As the Inspector declined to award marks for his elimination the cissies were examined by Mr Bislop, and the prizes allocated according to the results of his examination. It was intended that a concert should be held towards the end ef the yesr to raise funds to pay for these prizes (the cost of which is about £8), but owing to Mr Turnbull’s death it Wes considered more fitting that the concert should be deferred. Tour Committee baa therefore asked Mr Aitksn, Head Master, lb take the natter in band, and bold a concert at as early a date as possible. The Committee recoiled two small grants from the Board of Education during the Sear— one for £2 15s„ which was paid to Mr [nghss for a copper boiler erected by him and not removed on his leaving the school, and-one fo- £lO for repairs to teacher’s residence. ■ e following is a statement of the fioaiiciu • ..osition of the Cemnsiltes for year ending 31st December j Receipts.

Total ... ... ...£B2 11 9 Thus leaving a balance of £ll6s to the credit of the Committee. ■■ Your Committee would point out that although the expenditure during the pact year has bean heavy it woe incurred for - work*' which were absolutely necessary. J , ; Wfien the schoolmaster’s house was vaoatad " by Mr Hughes it was found to require a thorough overhauling. Several of the rooms had to be papered, and the ceilings tinted. Boudin, s considerable sum bad|*to be spent in making Improvements in the back yard, and in erecting protective works against the inroads of the river. ; . In conclusion, your Committee begs to aeeord a vary hearty vote of thanks to thn teaching staff for the efficient manner in which they have performed their duties •nder the trying circumstances during the ■eat year. N. DcvLor, 1 Chairman. A number of personal questions . were 1 naked by some of those preaept and satislactorily replied to. On the motion of Mr Pasrpoibt, seconded by Mr Stonehouso, the report wse adopted as read. ' The question was asked why the repo'ft of the School Inspector was not pnblished in the papers. The Committee’s reason for not doing •p having been assigned, it was proposed l>y Mr Mastic, and seconded by Mr C. E. Bherratt—“ That the reports of the luspeof6r be published in future.” As an amendment it wae proposed by Mr Pesrpoint, seconded by Mr Aitken—- •« That the action of the Committee be approved of, and in future they use their own discretion as to the publishing of Ibe Inspector's report or otherwise.” A good deal ot discussion ensued, and finally, on the amendment and proposition being pot, the latter was baried by a large majority. XLXCTIOS or COMMUTES. The election of the new Committee wal-tben proceeded with. ■''ThV, following gentlemen were nominated :-*Mea*rs G. Taylor, B. H. Pear--point, AT White, W, S. Muslin, J. Biordan, J. Cunningham. N. Dunlop, J. A. Quin, 0, E. Siberrntt, A. Fisher, K, Darlow, G. Ward, sad H. W. Moore. Upoi a poll being taken the follow ing were declared duly elected !- Messrs Sherrstt, R. H. Pearpoint, J. Cunning ham, G. Taylor, W. S. Maslin, JRiordan, and A- White. Meaara Brooker and Bethune acted as scrutineers. . A yols of thinks to the retiring Oommittee, scrutineers, and Ohairmm. terminated the meeting.

New Committee Meeting. • '' A meeting of the newly-appointed Committee was then bold, when Mr Maslin ..was elected Chairman for the ensuing “year. ... DATE or MEETING. It was decided that the date of meeting lathe Julureshould'bo the second Wednesday in each month at 7.30 p.m. VISITOBB. • : r. Messrs Sherratt and White were appointed visitors for thapreaent month. ABSENTEES. It was proposed by Mr Cunningham, seconded by Mr Sherratt, and carried—- “ That the Head Master hand in each month a list of those children who absent " themselves from school, so that they may be brought under the provisions of . the Act relating thereto, and also to hand in a list of those children leaving school.’’ NOTICE Of MOTION. Mr Fearpbint stated that at the next meeting of. the Committee he should move that they take steps to have the i. district proclaimed a High School district, SSOSETABT. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Cunningham, who had acted as Secretary to the porn mittee just gone out of office, and he was requested to act in the same ’capacity for the present year, which ha consented to do. . : CONCERT. . The Bead Master ii'sted that the conceit in aid of the prize fund would lake ojgee -bp Friday in May next. " The Chairman' and Messrs Cunningham And Pearpbipt were appointed ta assist him ingetfciDgit up* . It irae decided to place the pi operas to u separate account in the Jhok of New JgeWiad, tb be dealt with in the usual manner. ‘ ID3JU . , It was decided that in the event of the preseqt cpntraqt for. supplying fuel fo* the school lapsing prior to nest mooting

it be continued to that time that tenders be called for the siyply of coal and firewon'!, the tendets to bo in by next meeting. This being all the business the meeting terminated. ___________ ORABI BRIDGE.

The annual meeting of householders in the Orari Bridge School district was held in the sohoolhonse on Monday evening last. On me motion of Mr Alex. McLean, seconded by Mr Ashby, Mr Lewis. Oram. w«» voted to the chsir. The Chairman stated the purpoie for which the meeting waa called, and read the advertisement calling the same. The minutea of the lait annual meeting were read and confirmed. The Committee’s report for the yesr was read as follows s—"To the householders of the Orari Bridge School Diitriot. Your Committee have again the pleasure of meeting tie householders for the purpose of preset-.ting their annual report. Your Committee do not wish to pais any remarks ab'f t the past, but they have no haaitation in . luting that they look forward for good rasnlta at the next examination. The books are open for your inspection now or at any time. Your Commil,tee held 13 meetings during the year which were attended as follew: —L. Grant,

13 j A. McLean, 12} G. Htlsm, 12 ; Joseph Wharton, 10 } Wm. Ashby, 10j A, Metcalf, 9 ; 8. Gould, 6. Wo commenced ths year «ith a credit balance of £l4 Is lid. We hand over to ths incoming Committee a balance of £l6 3:, £8 17s of which is out standing for books sold. The number of children on ths roll is 50. The average attendance for the present quarter is 41.7. The account book* are now laid upon the table duly audited by the Board's Secretary, Major Bamlsld," The election of the new Committee was then proceeded with. Nine penoni were nominated and the ballot reiulted as follow* ; —Messrs Anthony Metcalf, 6 ; Lewis Grant, 6 ; Georg* Helem, 4 ,* Wm. Ashby, 4 } Wm. Hewsoo, 4 j Alex. McLean, 4; B, P. Bertram, 4 j Joseph Wharton, 3; Charles Bewson, 2. The Chairman declared the firit (even gentleman duly elected as members of the Orari Bridge School Committee for the ensuing year. Committee Miiruta.

A meeting of the lew Committee was then held. On the proportion of Mr Grant, seconded by Ur Ashby, Mr Bsrtrum wsi eleeted Chairman tor the ensuing year. Mr Grant thanked the Committee (or the honor they had done him in electing him Chairman of the Committee for six oonseeayears and for the support they bad always given him in carry log out the duties of the post. Owing to Ur Birtrom’s absence on Monday evening Mr Grant was appointed Chairman pro tem. It was decided that all cheques should be signed by the Chairman and another member of the Committee. It was deeided that the date of holding the ordinary meetings shonld be the third Saturday in each month. An account of Sis for firewood was passed for payment, Mr Hewson was appointed visitor for the ensoing month and the meeting adjourned till the third Saturday in May. SOUTH RANGITATA.

The annnal meeting of householders was held in the schoolroom on Tuesday night. There were 10 householders, present, via., Messrs J. Robertson, D. Taylor, J. Airay, T. Cadwsllader, fl. Waller, A. Edgar, J. Naughton, P. J. LeCren, W. McLeod, and F. W. Bsdhatn. It was proposed by Mr J. Robertson, and seconded by Mr D, Taylor, that Mr Naughton take the chair. The Chairman’s yearly report and the report of the householders of 1886 were read. A long discussion then took place about the prizes, prize-list, and concert. Mr Jackson proposed, Mr LeCren seconded, and it was carried—“ That the Chair man's report be adopted.” The following householders wore then proposed and seconded as members of tho Committee, vis. Messrs Waller, Oadwallader, Taylor, A'ray, Robeitson, Edgar, LeCren, McLeod, Badham, and Naughton, but all these declined to stand, with the exception of Messrs Airay, Edgar, and Cad walla ler. A* a Committee could not be fo.-med, Mr McLeod proposed, and Mr LeCren seconded—. “ That the Chairman write to the Board of Education asking them to appoint Commissioners, and that the names of the three gentlemen who stood to form a Committee bo also forwarded to the Board." This was agreed to. Mr Badham proposed a hearty vote of thanks to tho Chairman, which was seconded and carried. The meeting then adjourned.

A correspondent sends us the following account of the annual meeting of householders at South Rangitata ;—“ At the annual meeting of householders of the above district about 30 inhabitants were present, and Mr Naughton was elected Chairman. The last annual meetings minutes were read and not confirmed. Mr Jackson then volunteered to read the annual report and balance-sheet, as the Chairman had left his glasses at home on the piano. The balance-sheet showed a balance of £2 2?. The meeting then want into the lively part of the business of asking questions with regard to the late Committee’s action re funds from distribution of prizes, etc., and after aome allround discussion, it was unanimously resolved ‘That tha new Committee be requested to publicly contradict the ihisstatements in the last report of the late Committee.’ The report and balance-sheet, as ipad, were then adopted. The election of the new Committee was then gone on with, but as not sufficient of the householders coveted the honor of being on the Committre- only four gentlemen being found billing to adit# whs finally resolved—‘That in consequence of a Committee not being elected, the Board of Education bo requested to appoint-Commissioners, and that the names of those willin ' to act on the Committee be sent to the Board,’ The four gentlemen nominated were-rr Messrs J. Airay, A. Edgar, Thos. Cad, wallader, and H. Waller. The usual vote of thanks to the Chairman for the able manner in which he had conducted the bueinese of the evening brought the proceedings to a cloae,”

The annual meeting of householders, for the purpose of electing a Committee for the ensuing year was held on the at 7 p ,m. There were eighteen bouaeholders ppesepj; ip all, Mr E. Griffiths was unanimously to tfie phair. The annual report of the outgoing Committee was read and adopted, It showed a credit balance in the Bank of £2 8s 3d.

Mr Turpin then proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Committee, which was seconded by Mr Annals and carried. Twelve persons were then nominated for the new Committee and a ballot was taken, which resulted In the following persons being elected: • Messrs J 5. Griffiths, H. Newport, W. Ford, W. Greenaway, R. Turpin, J. Woulfo, J. Titharidge. New Committee Mehtino. A meeting of the newly-elected Committee was then held. Mr E. Griffiths was elected Chairman and Mr Ford to sign cheques with him. It was agreed to hold the ordinary monthly meetings on the third Saturday in each month at 7-30 p.m. Some other routine business was gone through, Mr Wbulfe was appointed visitor for the ensuing month, and the meeting then adjourned. SOUTH OBARI.

The annual meeting of householders in the district was held. The number of householders present was not large. Mr it. A. Barker was unanimously voted to the chair.

After reading the notice convening the meeting, the minutes of the last annual meeting were read, and confirmed. The retiring Committee’s annual report and balance-sheet were next read, of which the following is an abstract “Report of th* South Orari School Committee for the yeat ending 25th April, 1887. “ Your Committee report having held 13' ordinary and 2 special meeting* during the year at. which the members attended aa follows:—It. A. Barker, 15; J. May, 12 ; R. Coles, 13; Jas. McLeod, 14; J. M, Naughton, 8; C. Bisset, 14; \V . Vernall, 1. Mr Vernall having only attended once in four meetings, his seat became vacant, and the Committee appointed Mr J. Ellis in his place, who attended four Committee meetings. The present teaching staff consists of Mr D. Munro, Head Master ; Master John McLeod, Pupil Teacher; and Mrs Munro, Sewing Mistress, in place of Mies J. Stewart, who resigned in June lust. The Committee are well pleased with the manner in which the staff generally have carried put their respective duties. The Inspector’s report after examining ths school was a very satisfactory one, and showed that out of 31 presented in the Standards 22 passed, 4 failed, 4 were absent, and 1 waa excepted. The preparatory class contained 14. A school treat and prize presentatior, concluding with a dance, waa got up and carried out most successfully by members of the Committee, very ably assisted by a Committee of ladies. Although the school attendance has not been so full as

it should, especially dtu'ng the first part of the year, your Committee are glad to be able to report a marked improvement, and that this has been effected without recourse to extreme measures. They trust this shows that parents are taking a deeper interest in educational matters, and are learning that it is not only their duty to send their children to school, bat that it is to their advantage to do so. The schoolroom has been distempered throughout, and the broken plaster renewed at a cost of £3 10s, of which sum £2 was a grant from the Education Board. The master’s house also has been repaired, costing £4 6s, one-half of which wae paid by the the Board. The balance-sheet shows that year Committee took office with a credit balance of £2l 15s 9d, and retire leaving the sum of £8 4s 6d to their credit." Thereafter the balance-sheet was read.

The Chairman invited discussion on the report and balance-sheet, but no response was made thereto. Mr Binskin moved, Mr Bates seconded, and it was carried—“ That the report and balance-sheet as read be adopted.” Mr Bales moved, and Mr Binskin seconded, a vote of thanks to the retiring Committee, which was briefly acknowledged by the Chairman. Messrs Bates and Munro having been appointed scrutineers, the election of the oew Committee was proceeded with. The following is the result of the ballot s —R. Coles, 19 ;R. A. Barker, 13 ;J. C. Binskin, 13 ; J.Bebernes, 11 ; J. Ellis, 8; C. Bisset, 7; f. May, 4; and James McLeod, 2. The Chairman declared the first-named seven duly elected, and after the cus* ternary vote to the Chairman the meeting terminated. Meeting or Committee.

Immediately after the annual meeting the new Committee met, when all the members were present except Mr May. Mr K. A. Barker was nnanimossly elected Chairman of Committee, and Mr Mnnro was appointed Secretary. The meetings of Committee were fixed to be held on the third Monday in each month at 7.30 p.m. The meeting then adjourned to the third Monday in M*y. WINCHESTER,

The anbual meeting of householders of the Winchester School District in connection with election of a School Committee was held in the schoolroom on Monday last. Mr Eosor was elected Chairman. The minute of tha last annual meeting were read and adopted. The Chairman then read the Committee's report and balance-sheet for the past year ; We, the undersigned, members of the Winphesfjer Sphopl Committee, have m«ch pleasure in submitting to the householders and parents of the district our report for the year. Your Committee have held 12 ordinary meetings and one special meeting, attended as follows Mr R. Smith 11, Mr Bishop 11, Mr Shaliard 10, Mr Eosor 9, Mr G. Smith 9, Mr Klee 8, Mr Gimson 7. The annual examination by fh ß Inspector of Schools took plaop ip December Iqst apd was in evary respect a Qioßt satisfactory one, only three children opt of the whole sphool failing to pass. The inspector expressed himself much -satisfied with the high state of efficiency attained. In January last tha mistreee, Miss Pearson, resigned her position, and your Committee are pleased to stale that they were fortunate in securing n worthy successor in Jtyiea Bennetr, whq is doing excellent work, and, while regrettijg the loss of Miss Pearson’s services and expressing pleasure at her superior appointment, your Committee feel satisfied tlrnt the school will continue to ajiow as good pesqlts as were obtained under the late mistress. Owing to several families having left the district (bo num? ber ©I children on the roll bis consider*

ably >u, but < f late the attend anrn ha* oM*.''y improved. S x scholar have I" on admitted sii.o- ih Christm * holidays, and there is ever; prospec of f still further improvement. I concert in aid of the school funds wai given during the winter months by tin Geraldine minstrels, realising £8 2s 6d, and in December a gift auction was held, the proceeds from which amounted tc £9. With the money thus obtained th< scholars were given a picnic at the beach, and the remainder was spent in buying prizes for those who had passed at the Standard examination and for tbe winners at the sports. The balance-sheet showed a balance in band of £6 4s 8 (l at the end of December, 1886. Since then other moneys have been received and paid, and the balance now stands at £3 4s Bd. In conclusion your Committee beg to thank ‘the inhabitants of the district for the liberal manner in which they have seconded their efforts in providing sports and prizes for the children, and also the master,and the late and present mistresses, for the efficient manner in which they have conducted their respective duties during the past year, and trust they may have renewed success in the future.

A. L. Ensob. Geo. Smith. Chas. Bishop. W. Shall a kd. W. Elbe. The report and balance-sheet were unanimously adopted aa read. The meeting then proceeded to the election of a Committee for tbe ensuing year, which resulted as follows : B. Corcoran, 81; Geo. Smith, 40; —Northam, 29 ; A. L, Ensor, 27 ; W. Plulp, 13; Chas. Bishop, 12; —Bailie, 12; —Gillum, 9. The first seven gentlemen ware declared duly electad. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, Secretary, and scrutineers was proposed by Mr Corcoran, seconded by Mr Klee, and carried. A vote of thanks to tbe ontgoing Committee brought tba proceedings to a dose. New Committee Meeting.

The newly-elected Committee mot immediatelr after the general meeting, when Mr Ensor was unanimously elected Chairtnsn and Secretary, the Chairman and Mr Philp to sign cheques. The Committee determined to hold their meetings on the last Monday in each month. Messrs B.iilie and Bishop were appointed visitors for the next month. The Chairman was instructed to purchist pens and pencils for tha use of theschool. The Chairman informed the meeting that in order to induce a better attendance be had determined to offer a priae of one guinea to bs distributed pro rata among those who should make the greatest number of attendances in ths several Standards from the present time to the end of fhe year.—Mr Ensor’s kind offer was accepted with thanks. The meeting adjourned to the last Monday in May. MILFORD.

The annual meeting of the householders in the Milford School District was held last Monday evening. There was a fair attendance. On the motion of Mr Maze, aeconded by Mr Mackay, Mr B. Macaulay took tha chair, Mr John Brown, Chairman of the late Committee, read the minutes of the last annual meeting, which were confirmed. He next tead the annual report which was aa follows: —

Tour Committee beg to submit to the householders the following report, accompanied by a balance-sheet showing receipts and expenditure, for the year ended April 25, 1887. Tour Committee entered upon their duties with a balance at the bank to credit of 18s Id, with outstanding accounts amounting to £2 Bs. The following is a summary of receipts and expenditure for the je»r Receipts* Incidentals £l9 4s 3d, and extra grant of £1 5s 6d (being half the •ost of the erection of gymnastics and girls’ swing) amounting in all to £2O 9s 9d. The expenditure has been £ls 9a lOd, leaving a balance of £4 19s lid, with some outstanding accounts of small amounts. Tour Committee consider that the money received for incidentals is quite ample for all purposes, and as the country is under a heavy debt every care should be taken with the expenditure. School Buildings—Tour Committee report that the school buildings are in a very fair state of repair. They were painted during the year, and, with a few minor repairs, to he attended to this week, they are pood enough for the district for years. Teaching StaffTour Committee regret to say that they have not been fortunate in securing a permanent teacher for long. In April 1886 your Committee had nine applications for the mastermastership of the school. The Committee transmitted to the Board of Education the names of two of the applicants whom they thought would suit, with the result that the Board rejected them both as unsuitable. In the meantime Mr Qoldsmith took charge of the school as locum tenens, and continued in charge till the end of January 1887, when he resigned. In January 1887 your Committee had twelve applications for the mastership of the school, and they selected Mr F. A. Josephs, who had charge of some large schools in Otago with’good results, and was highly recommended by letters and testimonials to the Committee, who may safely say they are not disappointed in him, lor during the time he ba» had charge of the school it has been conducted with credit to himself and satisfaction to the Committee, But owing to illhealfcb he has resigned, and the Committee regret it, To save time and trouble the Committee wrote to the Board of Education reopmm ent^n l» a PPointmenb of Mr Hamilton, of Albqry,. which the Board has sanctioned, and he wifi commence his duties next month, Sewing Miss Green was appointed Sewing Mistress in September last, and the Committee are highly satisfied with the way she is conduct, ing the sewing classes, They hays every reason to belieye the classes are making very good progress under her tuition. Examination—The annual examination was held on Feb. 21, but the school did not pass satisfactorily. This may bo attributed in part to the change of teachers, and the harvest holidays just previous to the examination ; but at the same time the Committee have no doubt that it is due to the very irregular attendance of one-half of the children attending the school that they did not pass the Standards. A reference to the Register shews that fc fc® PflP' 1 * regularly in almost every instance passed. Tour Committee would draw attention to this matter in the hope that parents will make it their business to secure a more regular attendance of their children. The avenge attendance for'the first nine months o.f the year' is 37, and for Ifie last tlfo ffiontus has fallen aa lp> as’ 34, wish a roll number of 52. the average attendance is not mere strictly kept , up the school will not be entitled to a pupil

t'uaoher, which will be a great loss to th I district, Treat—The treat and dissributior of prises took place on January 28. h, whei your Committee venture bo think the arrange ments gave satisfaction to all concerned There was £8 4s subscribed, and £7 were expended on prises, leaving a balance of £1 3 in the Committee’s hands. Your Oommittei in retiring give its hearty thanks to all whc have so liberally contributed to the prise fund, and have right willingly helped tc bring tbe year to a successful close. John Bbowk, . Chairman, Mr James Macaulay moved that the report us read be adopted. The motion was seconded by Mr White and carried unanimously. The following were then elected as a Committee for the ensuing year, viz , Messrs J. Brown, T. White, John Maze, M. Mackuy, B. Macaulay, J. Macaulay and J. Christmas. On the motion of Mr A. Macaulay, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the late Committee, and the meeting terminated. Meeting op Committee. At a meeting of the Committee subsequently, Mr John Brown was re-elected Chairman. : RANGITIRA VALLEY.

Tbe annual meeting of householders was held in accordance with the Act, on Monday evening. No interest, however, was taken in tbe matter, as evidenced by tbe small attendonce. The Chairman' of the Committee read the following report for the past year, which was adopted.; BEPOBT.

Gentlemen,— Our school has now betn in operation for one complete year, and the Committee hare the pleasure to report that our anticipations as to the probable number of pupils we should bare hare been fully realised—in fact, the number on the roll it much greater than was expected, and fully warranted an average attendance being obtained sufficient to keep us well over the maximum number of an aided school. In consequence, however, of irregular attendance on the part of many .of the pupils, we bare been unable to show the full required average, except for one quarter only, viz,, that ending 81st December last. The results, however, for the present quarter promise, so far, to be better, the attendance for the current month having been higher than for any similar period since the opening of the school. Ths Committee rogret having to complain of the apathy and neglect of parents in the matter of attendance, thus making it much more difficult for the teacher to do successful-work, and at the same time sacrificing the chances of obtaining a fair education for their children. Ihe annual standard examination of the school, held on Nov. 29, was eminently satisfactory—every child presented for examination secure' a pass. The warmest commendation of the Inspector was awarded by him to the teacher. Mis* Brown, for the results achieved by her. The number *of children on the roll is now 36-; the average attendance for the past four weeks • has been 26; the average attendance for the whole year has bean 23.8. We have had to call- upon parents to contribute a small sum for each ohild in order to provide for ths payment to the Board of Education of our sbafe of teacher’s salary. The call thus made has with few exceptions been willingly responded to. The amount of funds at present in hand to the credit of our incidental account is £6l3s. The buildings, grounds, and school furniture are all in good order. The hematite paint, however, with which the roof of the school was covered commenced to rapidly depart as soon as the painter who put it on had turned his back. The roof now presents a somewhat streaked and mottled appearance, hut, nevertheless, rather fashionable as regards school buildings in South Canterbury. We regret that we are very shortly to lose the services of our teacher, and we take this opportunity of recording our appreciation of the value of her services, as displayed in ;her uniformly painstaking care and anxiety for the success of her pupils. John Talbot, Chairman.

It was decided that the late Committee, viz., Messrs J, Talbot, W. Wright, W. Lyoo, E, O’Neal, J. Beattie, W. Cook and W. Telford, be re-elected. At a meeting of the Committee held immediately afterwards Mr J. Talbot was re-elected Chairman of Committee for tbe ensuing year.

WAITOHI FLAT,

The annual meeting of householders was held in the schoolhouee on Monday evening, and was very well attended. Mr J. Fraser was voted to the chair. The minutes of the last annual meeting having been read, the Chairman read the annual statement by the retiring Committee as follows; —

Tbe retiring Committee have the honor to report that during their term of office they held 13 meetings, with an average attendance of about 6. They took office with a credit balance of £2l 8s lOd. Tbe income from all sources during our term of office was £l9, and the expenditure £23 3s 7d, leaving a credit balance of £l7 5s 3d to be handed over to their successors. In the month of June last Mr Gibbs resigned hie position, and Mr T. Orr was elected in his stead, la the same month Dr Anderson paid tbe school a visit of inspection, ’ and bis report thereon suggested several improvements, which Mr Watson promised to have effected. In the month of November the school was closed for about three weeks owing to diphtheria breaking out in the neighborhood, and again during the month °f February for harvest holidays, On the 7th of March Mr Gow, the Board’s Inspector, conducted the annual examination, when only three of those present failed to gain a pass, His report has only recently come to our bands, and we hand it over for consideration by the new Committee, The number presented in Standards were 36 i preparatory, 21 j and, the percentage of passes 48 j failures, 11. The average ro|l number for the year was 62.9; the average attendance, 41.8; the number on the roll at present is 59; the average attendance last quarter was 41.3, and the average weekly roll number fi9.7, J, Fbabbb, Chairman.

The Chairman then explained that although . the report showed they ware only banding over a credit balance of of £l7 5s 3d, they were in reality handing over about £27. This was caused by the second quarter’s incidental expenses not having been deposited to the Committee's credit as had been the case last year, by a lew small accounts for the use of the room not being paid inland by the withdrawal from the general account of £2 boy’s cricket clqb fund, and which was now kept as a separate account showing a credit balance of £2 la Qd. The meeting then proceeded to elect a Committee for the ensuing year. After the Chairman bad read several clauses of l the Act bearing on the matter qq fewer

| than lU householder* were proposed end seconded. The following is the result of the ballot:—D. Seaton, 21; L. Scott, 19; J. Fraser, 13; D. Cunningham; 13 y T. Orr, 12 ; M. Moore. 8 ; J. D. Andrews, 8 ; J. Simpson, 7 ; J. McCUntook, 7; T. Thornly, 6 ; W. Walker, 6 ; G. John* stone, 5 ; E. Chapman, 4 ; S. Galbraith, 3 ; J. Streeter, i ; T. Curry, 1. The meeting terminated with the usual rote of thanks to the Chairman. Committee Meeting, A meeting of the newly elected Com* mittee was then held and Mr J. Fraser , was elected Chairman for the ensuing year. The Inspector’s report of the examination was considered, and it was resolved —“ That it be passed, but that the Com* mittee look for a more favorable one on the occasion of his next visit.” The meeting then terminated.

£ I. d. Balance 1 from lut year 15 6 11 FromEducation ' Board on iaoidental account ... ... 49 11 4 Special grant* from Ed. Board— For recasting bell £2 Si Od * For boiler, Ur T. 'Hughe* ... £2 IS* 6d Be pain to Muter’* j ' houis ... ... £10 0* Od 14 19 e From Ur* Holloway, half cost of ereetingfenos> between her ' property and school ground 8 3 0 Proofed* of sale of girls' sewing... 1 8 0 Total ... ... ' ... < 884 7 9 Expenditure. Janitor .... ... 23 1 8 Fuel tor school 11 18 0 Bepairs to building, hanging new ■ bell, Hughes' boiler ... 87 3 4 Stationery... ... 4 10 8 Insurance and sundries 6 18 6