REDCLIFF SCHOOL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14040, 25 October 1909, Page 6

REDCLIFF SCHOOL.

A LIVELY MEETING. The following notice had been sent by the chairman of the tichool Committee to every parent of children attending:— 'The Iledcliff School Committee desire the attendance of parents or guardians of children attending Rcdcliif school, at a meeting to be held in the schoolroom at 7 p.m., on Thursday, inst., to come to some decision as to the slutting of tlie school to a more central 6ite.'' In response a large number of parents attended the meeting, but there were also present a large number who were not parents and these latter voted and took part in tho discussion. Mr Henderson took tho chair and said lie had been requested by the chairman of the Board of Education to call the meeting. Mr Hamilton stated that the chairman ought to'have called a meeting of all parents of children, instead of only those on the school roll.

Mr A. McNeil suggested that the meeting be postponed, and a fresh one called.

Mr Pelvin said lie would havo preferred a meeting of householders. Mr AValdie thought ifc would be better to go on with the business. A long discussion folio-wed as to what constituted the meeting, several motions and amendments being made at once, and so much confusion provailed that it was difficult to follow the proceedings. Eventually Mr Pelvon proposed, and Mr Breen "seconded : "That only parents or guardians of children attending the school, be allowed to vote as the notice had onlv been extended to them, and if outsiders were allowed to vole the meeting would be informal." Mr AValdic suggested that if the names of those voting lie taken down the difficulty would be overcome.

A deadlock followed, everybody whether parent or not claiming a vote and at last it was carried that parents or householders could vote.

-Mr Ooodeve (teacher), said ho as a parent had a right to express his opinion about the advisability of shifting tho school, but he thought it better to let the other parents fight it out among themselves, and he did not intend to speak or vote on the matter. Ho had compiled a set of figures showing the total distances travelled to each site by A, tho children on school roll, B school roll and children of school ago not on the roll, C, the children under school age. He thought they were approximately correct, and if any inaccuracy had occurred ho would be glad if any one present would point it out. Mr T. Hamilton said lid had received a letter from the chairman of tho Education Board suggesting that a central spot might bo found on Anning's road. He had on receipt of tho letter called a meeting of those parents at tho west end, but they considered tho site unsuitable, and selected the one at Ikawai. Mr Mcßae moved, aud Mr Brown

seconded, "that tho school bo removed to Ikawai." Air Pclvin proposed, and Mr .Judgeseconded, "that the school, remain where it is." Mr Prestidgo proposed, Mr McDonald seconded, "that the school bo removed to Anning's road." The proposal to remove to Ikawai was carried by 11 votes to 8, the other two motions being lost by a small majority. . If the Board act upon, tho motion the school will go to the site between tho post office and public house, but tho meeting is considered by many a "comedy of errors."