FAIRLIE NOTES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 11 April 1925, Page 6

FAIRLIE NOTES.

* / (From our own Correspondent). NEW PLUNKET ROOM. The Fail-lie branch of the Society, for tho Protection of Women and Children hqs made a distinct advance in its work by the erection of a, new Plunket and Rest Room. The new" building is a very lie,at and presentable one, and reflects great credit upon its builders, Messrs Carlton Bros. It is situated near the Fire Brigade Station on a convenient site, granted by the Mackenzie County Council. It two handy sized rooms, with necessary conveniences, and a feature is a roomy and sunny verandah. The Fairlie branch has for some time been working under difficulties in unsuitable quarters, and it was with some trepidation that the committee at length - decided- to build. However, the officials, by various devices, have succeeded in raising a large proportion of the cost of their new building. The campaign for funds is still being pushed, and it is hoped that within a short time the new rooms will be free of debt.

The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday afternoon in perfect weather. There was a large attendance, and the ceremony proved a bright and pleasing one.

Mi- C. J. Talbot presided. In his opening remarks he referred to the illness of the Prime Minister, and a motion was passed expressing the sincere hope that Mr Massey would soon be restored to health. Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., undertook to convey, on behalf of those present, a message of sympathy and hope. The chairman then commended the Fairlie branch of the Plunket Society fpr tliejr pluck and faith x in erecting suitable offices for their work. Tho Plunket r'opm would be set apart for the nurse, and for those who sought her services, but tho rest rpom would he open to lady residents and visitors. It would he particularly acceptable, to country people, and for that reason residents qf the country districts should support the Society to the best of their ability. He commended the enthusiasm and energy of the nurse and the secretary Mrs A. Irving. -Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., who was received with applause, delivered a characteristic-speech, in the course of which he added his congratulations •upon the advance made by the Fairlie branch. He specially mentioned the splendid services of Nurse Johnston, who yisited outside centres, in addition to attending cases brought to the Plunket rqptn in Eairlie. Mr Burnett went on to discuss the so-called emancipation of women, and drew striking comparisons between the conditions of a few years ago and of those of the present day. The Comparisons were not always to the advantage of current tendencies, and Mr Burnett, while, agreeing that many alterations were needed, considered tligt in many respects oniancipation of women had run mad. . . Tlie speaker urged a thorough, training in the art of parenthood, .'and warned .girls .against, taking pursuits and cafeel-s'for which the were physically unfitted. He "could not speak too highly of the work now being carried out by the Plunket Society, hut statistics" proved- that 1 infant mortality, especially at’ certain ages, was still too high, ' _ -! Mr Burnett was then presented with the keys of the rooms, and lie duly unlocked the doors, ; ajid declared thepremises open, expressing the"hopAthat they would prove a'benefit" to the Society and the district. Revs, eje Lambert and 0; G. Wilcox delivered short addresses in happy vein, and both attested to 'the good Work of the Society," and of- its need- in the country. From personal experience, they had learned to place a high value upon th© efforts of the Society to benefit the babies, and they wished it well in the future. • • i.f ; During tfie day the Plunket committed conducted a stall, in front of the rpqms, at which gifts of produce, household goods, 'and garden stuffs were sold, 'A brisk business wgs done, 1 and, a very useful sum realised. At the conclusion, of the opening ceremony, .Mrs 0. J. T,albot (president) thanked donors for bringing such a profusion of saleable . articles, and purchasers for their ready patronage." Cheers were then given for Mr T. D. Burnett, .and votes of thanks to Mrs .Irving and Nurse Johnston were carried by acclamatiofi.

W.E.A. A most enjoyable evening was held in the social hall of the Presbyterian Church to welcome to Pair lie the new tutpr of the W.E.A. classes, Mr H. Miller. Mr C. J. Talbot occupied the chair, and there was a, moderate attendance. In welcoming' Mr Millar, the chairman referred to the good work done in Soutl> Canterbury by the late resident tutor, Mr Bolshaw, and expressed the hope that his successor would make a like success. Mr Talbot referred to some of the erroneous impressions that had become current regarding the W.E.A. and its work, and regretted that the work of the Association was somewhat hindered in consequence. The W.E.A; was wholly an educational body, and was not connected with any religious or political organisation. Ho hoped that Fairlie would again succeed in running classes. Mr Millar was received with applause, and he thanked those present for their kindly welcome. He rapidly outlined the history of the Association, and its spi-ead throughout the Empire. He explained its motives and its work, and recommended the people of all ages to take advantage of the classes it was running in the various centres. Mr. Millar then detailed the courses he intended to take, and described their scope. At the conclusion of his speech Mr Millar was given a he,arty vote of thanks, and it was decided to open a class immediately. Mr Millar will lecture once a week in the Parish Hall. The night of meeting was left in abeyance for the present, btit the majority of those present favoured Thursday evenings. Songs were sung by Mesdames W. Kinder and O. J. Talbot, Miss Trotter and Mr Eagle, while Miss Hitchens gave a recitation in good stylo. Supper was afterwards provided by the ladies.

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL. The following members of the Fairlie District High School Committee were present at the monthly meeting held on Mond,ny evening :—Messrs C. J. Tglbot (chairman), C. W. Keinan, G. Burt, H. Carlton, J. Wyber, and Rev. de Lambert. Apology was made for the absence of Mr A. W. Surridgc. The headmaster (Mr J. R. Wilson) reported that the pupils’ lessons were being sent in regularly, and with a few exceptions, had been fully and carefully done. The work of the secondary pupils was exceptionally good. The staff expressed their thanks for the assistance given by parents in the correspondence course now being conducted. Mr. Rainey, secondary assistant, reported that bb pupils had enrolled in the High School Department, and there was a strong probability of that number being increased to bo or bO. He mentioned .several requirements needed in the class rooms, and it was decided to proeuro these, and to once more press for a new High School building, as the Technical rooms, at present in use. wore no longer suitable for the secondary The Board forwarded the name of one applicant for the vacant position

as assistant master in tho primary department, and as the testimonials proved to be of a high class, it was unanimously decided, to recommend him lor appointment. A lengthy letter w,as received from the Minister of Health pointing out tho reasons why it was preferable to place dental nurses in or near citms like Christchurch to stationing them at country centres like Fairlie. The stuif was still a small one, and for some time a nurse could not be sent to Fairlie. It was decided to inquire if the dentist at tho Timaru Public Hospital could be sent to Fairlie occasionally. ■ .

The Board wrote agreeing to several small works at the school, arxl Mr. Carlton reported that the accordeon doors in the infant room had been put in" order already. • They should , now give no trouble. The Board also agreed to grant Miss Riddle leave of absence gt the committeo’s special request, during -her. absence to Great Britain.-—Hie committee decided to thank tlie Board for. acceding to its request in this matter. , . Tho, Board notified that the Senior Inspector "would visit the school and report on tlie committee’s request foi bettor accommodation for tho secondaiy classes -1 Mr Q. V. Berry formally forwarded li'is resignation as assistant master in the primarv department ,and. .this, was accepted with regret, and Whh hest wishes for future success, and thanks for past services. , , ~ , , Rev. do Lambert stated that he. had collected £lO in aid of putting in a grass tennis court at the school. _ had not yet finished collecting, /and lie honed" to raise sufficient money to epable tlie court to be banded over to tlie committee free* ° f cost. , Lambert was heartily thanked, and a tender for levelling the site and o-rnssimr it down was accepted. the names of ex-pupfls wl o lest them ’lives in tlie late wai, wit i having the names placed on tne concrete base of the flagpole. . , Tbis beino- the last meeting before th? annual meeting of householders the' chairman thanked mcmbeis^of Sooiwrid edpemeTwas made by member* present wA-fr Wilson, headmaster.