ANNUAL ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 3550, 24 April 1901, Page 4

ANNUAL ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

GERALDINE. The annual meeting of householders was held at Geraldine Public School on Monday night, when there was a fair attendance. Mr T. Sherratt was voted to the chair, and read the annual report and balance sheet as already published. The balance sheet showed a credit of 4d, against which there was an outstanding liability of £1 6s. The Bev. A. B. Todd moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet, and mentioned that the committee had done as well as they could with the money at their disposal, and had managed to keep within bounds. From the report the school seemed to be in a satisfactory state. This was evidenced also by the fact that there was not a large meeting that night. When anything was wrong, or when the householders were dissatisfied, there was a good attendance. Mr Maslin seconded the adoption of the report and balance sheet, and pointed out that there were one or two items that might not appear in the expenditure again, such as shingling the playground, so that next year the committee might have a better oredit- balance. He regretted that the education vote was so small that committees had to carry out a very cheeseparing policy to raise funds. He thought the department ought at least to provide iunds for fuel to keep tha children warm in winter time. The chairman denied a rumour that had got about that the water in the school tanks was polluted with dead rats, etc., and not fit for the children to drink. The committee had made an inspection, and found that the report- was utterly false, and he (the chairman) had it from Dr Hislop that it was better to use tank water than nine-tenths of the water used at present. The water school children were using he (the chairman) could assure them was" as good as any they could get in Geraldine, and the rumour was like other rumours that had been sent round re the well water some time ago. Mr Todd asked if the committee had made any effort to increase the attendance at the school. The chairman mentioned that Mr T. Herlihy had been appointed truant officer, and was doing his best to improve the attendance. The chairman, at the request of the meeting, read the Inspector's report on the examination, which was highly satisfactory considering the loose attendance during the the year. Mr Maslin endorsed the chairman s remarks, saying that the report was a good one on the whole. There being only the required number of candidates nominated for election on the new committee, the following were declared elected:—Messrs T. Sherrat, J. J. McCaskey, T. Bowkett, T. Kingston, T. Dyer, J. Boughton, J. Bennington, A. Sugden, and W. S. Maslin. Mr Maslin thought that in future the parents should be asked to contribute Is for each child to provide stationery, instead of the committee having to find money for the same with the limited funds at their disposal. He moved that this be a recommendation to the incomins committee. Mr Sugden seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Bev. Mr Todd moved, and the Bev. Mr Sharp seconded, a vote of thanks to the retiring committee. Mr Maslin moved a vote of thanks to the staff of the school for the satisfactory results that had attended their labours. Mr Montgomery, in responding on behalf of the staff, said that their hands had been ably upheld by the committee. The meeting then terminated.' At a meeting of the new committee Mr T. Sherratt was unanimously re-elected chairman for the ensuing year.

WAIMATE. The annual meeting was held on Monday about 30 householders being present, and Mr Hamilton occupying the chair.

The report showed that the yearly attendance average was 415.9, and the yearly average roll 474.4. *_ The roll number now stood at 483. On an average 50 children were absent on every day the school was open, but the recent appointment of Mr George as truant officer promised to improver matters. - The attendance at the ■High School continued steady. The report next mentioned the changes in the • staff, and set out in detail the more important works undertaken during the year, so that the school was now in a very satisfactory condition in every respect. The school honours were enumerated, and showed a good list of successful pupils. Mention was made that James Menzies had received an appointment in the Public Works Department, at £66 a year to begin with. Referring to the attendances of the committee, regret was expressed that for the greater part of the y«ar the committee had lost the Taluable services of Mr D. Watts, and the hope was expressed that he would soon be restored to health- The Inspector's report was again satisfactory. . MentiCa. was made that His Excellency the Governor had made an unofficial visit to the school during the year. The school excursion to Oamaru was a great success, and the courtesy of the stationmaster, Mr Stewart, was acknowledged- The year had been specially marked by the inauguration of; school sports, a movement that it was hoped would benefit the health and physique of the children. The report recommended that an effort be made to provide a school gymnasium. Satisfaction was expressed at the able and efficient management which continued to mark the progress of the school, and at the satisfactory manner in which the janitor had carried out his duties. The services of Mr Scott as secretary were also recognised. The finance report" showed that £93 5s lOd had been received during the year. The secretary mentioned that though they started with a debit balance, they now had a credit balance of over £2. On the motion of Messrs Osborne and Jackson, the report as read was adopted. Messrs Williams and Foweraker moved that a very hearty vote of riiajilr* be accorded to the outgoing committee, for 1 the very valuable services they had rendered during the year, and. the motion was carried unanimouslv.

The ballot for a new committee resulted as foHow-B:—Messrs Miller 26, Scott 25, Hamilton 24, Mathiae 23, Nicol 21, ColTille 20, Cameron 19, Jackson 16, M. Smitlr 16, B. Smith 13, Evans 11, Osborne U, Baker 9. The first nine were declared elected.

On tie motion of Messrs Russell and Foweraker, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the headmaster and staff for their valuable services during the year, Mr Pitcaithley acknowledging the compliment.

The householders' meeting then ended. The committee met afterwards, when Mr Hamilton was re-elected chairman. The third Tuesday in the month was appointed night of meeting. Mr Scott was elected secretary and treasurer, the chairman to attend to correspondence. It was left to the chairman to call tenders for firewood. Messrs Cameron and Miller were appointed visitors for the ensuing month. The chairman reported for Messrs Gibson and Smith, members of the old committee, that a portion of the floor in one of the porches required repairing, and a new dividing curtain was required for the infant room. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.

SUTHEELAXDS. There were about a dozen householders present. After the report and balance sheet had been read and confirmed, the following gentlemen were chosen as committeemen : Messrs A. Sutherland, James McLeod, James Mathews, R. Brown, and James Shepherd. Mr James Shepherd was again elected as chairman.

FAIRLIE. The annual meeting of householders was held on Monday evening when a good number attended, taking great interest in the proceedings. Mr F. Gillingham presided, and Mr Joseph Binney, the chairman of the retiring committee, read the balance sheet and gave a verbal report oh. the work of the past year. The report expressed satisfaction with the work of the committee and of

the school, and alluded to the difficulty of ; doing all that was necessary with the small amount of funds at the disposal of the committee. As a recommendation to. the incoming committee it was proposed that a sale of work be held by the children during the year to raise funds for necessary improvements of the school and grounds, the suggestion being made to provide a tennis court for the use of the children. The balance sheet showed:—Balance last year £6 5s 7d, receipts: incidentals, etc., £27 9s Od; for children's prize fund, £l4 17s Od; expenditure : Cleaning and fuel, £l9 6s 6d; repairs to buildings, gates, etc., £lO lis 5d ; sundries, £3 lis 7d; leaving a balance on ordinary account of 5s Id, and on prize fund of £3 Is 9d. There was no contest for the new committee, the old committee being elected unopposed, Messrs Binnie, King, Gilmonr, Foden, B. Gillingham, Sheehan, and Riddle. The committee met and reelected Mr Binney chairman and treasurer, and Mr J. King, secretary.

MAKEKTHI. The following were elected members of the School Committee for the ensuing year: —Messrs Waters, Walters, Simmons, Linton, Murphy, T. Quinn, and F. Childs, junr. Mr Waters was chosen chairman.

MORVEN. Eight householders attended the meeting for the election of a school committee. Mr Hay was voted to the chair. The total receipts for the year were £46 16s Id; expenditure, £37 Is lid; balance, £9 14s 2d.AllVpresent having been nominated a ballot was taken and Messrs Delahunt, Forsyth, Hay, Kennedy, Scott, Seaman, and Trezise were elected. At the meeting of the new committee Mr Hay was chosen chairman and Mr Delahunt secretary. The meetings of the committee were fixed for the second Thursday in each month.

WINCHESTER, The annual meeting of householders in Winchester school district was held in the schcolhouse on Monday evening. Mr A. H. Crosbie occupied the chair, and there was a small attendance.

The annual report and balance sheet were read, and adopted on the motion of Mr J. Wilks seconded by Mr D. Loudon. Mr Boston moved a vote of thanks to the outgoing committe& and to the teaching staff. This was seconded by Mi- J. Wilks, and carried unanimously. The following gentlemen were then elected to act as a committee for the ensuing vear : —Messrs W. Deßenzy, J. Scott, C. Harr, D. McCaskill, W. Donnithorne, J. Boston, and C- Wilks. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman. At a meeting of the new committee Mr W. Deßenzy was elected chairman.

The annual report was as follows : "During the past year your committee held 11 meetings with an average attendance of 5.4 members. Mr Deßenzy attended 11 times, Mr J. Opie 10 times, Mr C. Haar 10 times, Mr D. McCaskill 9 times, "Mr j, Donnithorne 8 times, Mr W. Donnithorne 8 times, Mr J. Scott 4 times. The receipts (including a credit balance of £l7 18s lOd from last year) amounted to £49 6s Bd, and the expenditure has been £2B 18s lid, leaving a credit balance on 31st March of £2O 7s 9d. The annual school concert came off in August last and resulted in a net profit of £9 Bs, which provided school prizes and left a balance for next year. The school treat was held at the Gums on December 20th. The Rev. T. Farley kindly presented the school prizes, and the treat was most enjoyable. The average attendance for 1900 was" 87, but the first quarter of this year has not been so good, as several, families have left the district. At the beginning of May a pupil teacher was appointed to the school. Miss Deßenzy received the appointment, and she has proved herself a most zealous and conscientious teacher. Miss Aimers, • who has been in bad health for some time, has received six weeks' leave of absence, and Miss Wharton has been appointed locum tenens. During the Christmas holidays the school buildings were painted, the class rooms varnished, and the school residence repaired by the Board. The annual standard examination, came off in September last. In addition to one pupil in Standard Vil. who passed a creditable examination in Standard VI., and 29 infants who did well in all their work, 60 pupils passed the examination out of 67 presented; the order, tone, and attention of the school were marked good. The sewing came in for the highest commendation, earning a well deserved excellent from; the inspectors. Your Committee have to thank Mrs Paterson and Miss Bisset for judging the sewing, and also the following donors of prizes :—Mrs Paterson, Miss Bisset, Mr F. R. Flatman, and the teachers."

ARUNDEL. The annual meeting of householders was held on Monday last." 'Mr J. Charles occupied the chair. The following were elected as the new committee: —Messrs G. Jeffries, J. Whorton, G. H. Patrick, A. W. Campbell, G. Cooling, G. H. Hibbard, and J. Charles. Mr G. H. Patrick was elected chairman. It was resolved that the committee meet on the third Saturday in each alternate month.

KINGSDOWN. At the annual meeting of householders on Monday evening in the Kingsdown School, the retiring committee's annual report and balance sheet showed that while receipts from, all sources during the year amounted to £47 5s 3d, the expenditure for the year was only £34 Is 4d, thus leaving the substantial balance of £l3 3s lid. On the motion of Mr Dinnicombe a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the teachers of the school and to the retiring chairman of committee. The following gentlemen were elected for the ensuing year, Messrs J. Davidson, J. Campbell, J. Dinnicombe, J. Simmons, A. Cromie, S. Bee and L. Hayward. At a meeting of the new committee Mr Luke Hayward was rnianimously elected chairman for the ensuing year.

SALISBURY. At the annual meeting of householders at Salisbury there wag a very small attendance showing how very little interest i» taken in the advancement of the atchool. The chairman (Mr G. Bell) read a report of the year's work, which commenced with a credit of £l3 2s 3d. The receipts for the year were £ll ss, total £29 19s B<L The expenditure was £2l 16» 6d showing a balance in the bank of £8 Zt» 2d. The following gentlemen were elected on the committee : —Messrs li. I'any, G. Talbot, R. Styles, T. McAuliffe, W. Richards, V. ilauger and G. Bell. At the meeting held afterwards, Mr G. Bell wan re-elected chairman. The usual votes of tlianks terminated the proceeding*.

ADAIR. Only five householders put in an appearance at Adair, and all agreed to sit on Hie committee for the ensuing year. 'l'hoy wereM. McSweeuey (chainnan), M. O'Connor, M. Rooney, D. Geariey, and J). Jfi«ton. The chaiiTnan made a brief statement. The monthly meetings of the committee are to be held on the last Kiiturilay of the month, and a meeting will be held on Saturday next. The balance sheet showed the receipts to be £33 3s Bd, expenditure £32; balance, £1 3» Bd.

PAREORA. Thirteen householders were present. The new committee consists of Messrs It. Casey, T. Goodsell, J. Paterson, P. Watson, It. Hutton, W. Rapsey, and Wealman. Mr Campbel proposed that a petition should be got up to protest against altering the name of the school. The balance sheet showed the receipts to have been £56 Os 4d, expenditure £4B 6s, thus leaving a credit balance of £7 14s 4d.

FAIRYIEW. Ten householders were present, 'die committee elected for the ensuing year are: Msssrs R. Kelland (chairman), J. Elder (secretary), J. Whittaker, E. Butchers, F. Raddon, W. Johnstone, and G. Alexander. The balance sheet showed the receipts to have been £37 18s 6d, and expenditure £26 6s, thus leaving a very satisfactory balance of £ll 12s 6d.

OTAIO. The following were elected to act as committee for the ensuing year ; —Messrs R, R. Brunton (chairman), W. Walton, G. Smith, A. Martin (junr.), and J. F. Johnston.

SEADOWtf. The annual meeting of householders was held on Monday night. There was a fair atendance of householders. Mr S. Cain was voted to the chair.

The following report was read :—" During the year the receipts and expenditure £47 7s 4d, leaving a credit balance of £2 16s Bd, against which there are liabilities, of £3. Planting and fencing have been done on the south side of the grounds. The annual picnic and prize distribution was held at Christmas time at a cost of £l4. The inspectors' reports on the school work was highly satisfactory, the school being again reported on as one of the best in the district. A social in May and a concert in October resulted in a profit of £l3 10s. The Hon. W. Hall-Jones made his usual donation to the prize fund. The school has now 86 pupils on the' roll, against 84 at this time last year. The usual holidays have been granted during the year." Mr Cain said the householders must be well satisfied or they would be present in larger numbers. The report and balance sheet were, on the motion of Mr. J. Taehen, seconded by Mr Hornbrook, adopted. Mr Taehen moved and Mr W. Lane seconded a hearty vote of thanks to the outgoing committee for their services.—Carried. Nominations were then received for the new committee, and the following seven householders,, being the only ones nominated, were declared duly elected: —Messrs S. Cain, E. Hornbrook, J. McKenna, J. Holwell, D. O'Connell, J. Lynch, and T. Falvey.

Mr Cain spoke very highly of the work of the staff. The committee were very fortunate in having teachers whose work was so highly spoken of by the inspectors. Mr Taehen, proposed, and Mr Lane seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the staff. —Carried. Mr O'Connell proposed a special vote to Mn Cain for his work as chairman for so many years.—Carried. The first meeting of the new committee was held immediately afterwards, all the members being present. Mr S. Cain was re-elected chairman, and thanked members for electing him for the eighth time as chairman. The headmaster repelled 86 . on the roll, with an average attendance of 77.3 for the month. Mr J. G. Gow, M.A., inspector, had paid his inspection visit on April Uth. The insurance premium, 395, was passed for payment. Mrs McKenna was appointed caretaker for the year. It was decided to held a concert and dance on Thursday, May 16th, and that the headmaster and the chairman make all arrangements. The chairman was empowered to get coal for the use of the [ school, and the meeting closed.

RANGITATA STATION. At the annual meeting of householders at Rangitata Station there was only seven persons present. Mr J. Haar occupied the chair. The annual report and balance §heet were read and adopted. The former showed that the committee had worked harmoniously during the year for the welfare of the school, and that the buildings and "rounds were in very good condition. The committee tendered its thanks to the Education Board for the manner in which the committee's requests had been received and granted during the year; also to the staff of the Education Office for prompt attention to same. The inspector's report was read, and on the motion of Mr Edgar was considered Very satisfactory. The balance sheet showed a good credit balance. The new committee consists of Messrs Haar, Webb, Washington, Abbott, Edgar, Smith, and McNab. Mr Haar was re-elected chairman. The meeting which occupied only about 30 minutes was a quiet and orderly one.

WASHDYKE. At the meeting on Monday the report presented to householders showed that the committee met 12 times. Mr H. R. Harris was elected chairman and Mr J. Robertson secretary. Financially the school was in a sound state. The year commenced with a credit balance of £3 14s sd. The total receipts amounted to £SO 4s lid, and expenditure £44 10s lOd, leaving a credit balance at 31st March of £5 14s Id. During the year the Board had a new floor put down in the main roomi and other repairs done. The committee also had several repairs done, at a cost of £2 3s 6d. Mr R. Balfour resigned from the committee, not being able to attend, and Mr ■J. Stevenson was elected to fill the vacancy. Miss Mahan, infant mistress, resigned from that position during the year, and Miss Shepherd acted as locum tenens until Miss Pringle was appointed. The Board's inspectors examined the school in August, and the report was considered fair. The annual picnic and distribution of prizes took place on the racecourse domain on 20th December, in) beautiful weather, and was a great success. The sum of £7 12s 6d was collected in subscripr tions for the prize fund, and with £6 18s , donated from the school funds, £l4los 63 was spent in prizes, toys, and refreshments. The headmaster's report for each month ' was received, and he frequently complained of the absence of pupils to such an extent that he could not but think that some of the parents at Washdyke did not study the interests of the children, the school, and the teachers, and did not seem to understand that through this absence the pupil loses heart; that salaries and incidentals go down, and that inspectors' reports cannot be favourable, and the master cannot make the progress he would if pupils attended regularly. The committee therefore hoped that in the interest of the school, parents will do their utmost to send the children more regualrly. The committee had taken more trouble in arranging several socials and a concert and dance during the winter, which was very well attended, and the takings from these gatherings coawlerably added to the funds of the school. The attendance of members has been as follows:—Messrs H. Harris, J. Robertson, G. Fletcher 12 each, P. Cooper, R. Dawe, F. Stocker 9 each, J. | Stevenson 5, R. Balfour 0. The committee heartily thanked Mesdames Stocker, j «enr., and Tank, senr., for judging the sewing; the Jockey Club for the use of the racecourse groundu for holding tlio picnic in; the Hon. W. Hall-Jones for bin donation of two valuable books for prizes, and Mr/ G. Pearson also for prizes. Mr Leek ,of Port Chalmers, kindly presented the prizes won by the children, and thank* were due to tlie ladies who so kindly their valuable awistiuice with Uio refreshments, and helped gwieriillr ut the uoi.-iu.lif and picnic.