GERALDINE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18539, 9 April 1930, Page 11

GERALDINE.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE. The monthly meeting of the Geraldine District High School Committee was held on Monday evening, present—Messrs A. M. Fyfe (chairman), F. W. Wallach, D. Hatton, A. V. Wright and W. Henry (secretary). Headmaster’s Report. The headmaster (Mr A. F. Barrell) reported that Miss D. Matheson had been transferred to Addington, and Miss Grant had taken up her work. The primary department roll number totalled 238 (boys 120, girls 118), and the average attendance was 220. The secondary department roll number was 03, and the average 61.6. Further improvements had been carried out to the school premises, and* the boys’ shelter shed had been provided with a new concrete floor. The gun had been removed from the corridor, and he suggested that the Committee find a more suitable place for it than a public school. The school gardens were looking much improved. He placed a number of suggestions before the Committee for improvements at the school, including: A working bee to form a lawn for the girls’ grounds; outside seats for primary pupils; prefects had been appointed, and he suggested badges be obtained; a library. For the secondary department, he suggested that a start be made at the earliest opportunity to lay out the grounds. At a staff conference it was suggested that the part of the grounds in front of the school be ploughed; a circular. curved drive be formed from the corner; the area inside this be set down in lawns and decorative beds; that the area between the shelter shed and school be covered with gravel; that the horse paddock be fenced in; that grass be cut on the proposed football and basketball ground; that the sports ground be situated on the east side of the section; that a bicycle shed be erected. The annual athletic sports would take place on Thursday. School Improvements. The secretary of the Education Board advised that if a grant was forthcoming for a headmaster’s office, it was proposed to use the present office as a teachers’ room. The application for an additional room at the secondary school had been referred to the senior Inspector for report. The application for a grant toward improving the secondary school gardens would be considered by the Board at its next meeting. The secretary of the Education Board advised that it had been resolved to apply to the Department for a grant for the erection of a headmaster’s office, allocate a grant of £7 to enable the Committee to provide shingle for paths; the architect had received instructions to prepare a plan for the erection of a headmaster’s office, and this would be submitted to the Department. Conveyance of Pupils. The secretary of the Education Board, writing in reference to conveyance of children from Gape’s Valley and Pleasant Valley, said they had received Mr Hughes’s report on the matter, and as neither of the Committees concerned was in favour of closing their school, the Board could not agree to the institution of a comprehensive service, but was prepared to pay the ordinary capitation for any eligible pupils. General. Accounts amounting to £lO/6/3 were passed for payment. It was decided to approach the Rev. W. J. Couling to give an Anzac address on the afternoon prior to Anzac Day. VICTORIA LODGE No. 18, 1.0.0. F. The fortnightly meeting of Victoria Lodge was held last Monday night, Bro. Lack, N.G., presiding over a good attendance, including some Temuka brothers. Three new members were balloted for, and accepted. Accounts amounting to £3O were passed for payment. Three members were declared off the sick fund. Before vacating the chair, Bro. Lack thanked brothers for their support during his term. The D.D.G.M., Bro. H. Evans, and his staff, then installed the following officers: —J.P.G., Bro. D. Lack; N.G., Bro. P. Pussell; V.G., Bro. L. Mitchell; Secretary, Bro. P. Bennett; Treasurer, Bro E. McCabe; Warden, Bro. W. Rae; Conductor, Bro. Jim Waller; Chaplain, Bro. R. Neutze; R.S.N.G., Bro. F. J. Wood; L.S.N.G., Bro. Burnham; L.S.S., Bro. J. Waller; R.S.S., Bro. Wilson; R.S.V.G., Bro. J. Sullivan; L.S.V.G., Bro. Richardson; 1.G., Bro. G. Johnson. The Lodge was closed in due form, and brothers sat down to supper. TENNIS The following is the result of the sixth round of the Geraldine Tennis Club’s men’s handicap singles:— Q. Christophers (owe 15) 9 beat F. Fish (rec. 2-6) 4. D. R. Murchison (owe 2-6) 9 beat D. Lack (owe 15) 4. The draw for the semi-final is Q. Christophers v. D. Murchison. F. Fish bye. These players have only one life each. “VERY DISHEARTENING.” At the conclusion of the meeting of the Geraldine District High School Committee, the chairman (Mr A. M. Fyfe) thanked those who had worked with him during the year, it being the last meeting of the Committee prior , to the meeting of householders. He would have liked to see the dental clinic established, which had been promisedl over two years ago. There had been many promises, but there was nothing definite yet. Concluding, he said: “This is what makes a person sick of school committee work.” A member: “It is very disheartening.” Another member said that the way they had been played about with almost made them feel that the delays were on purpose. The chairman: “It is a glaring example of mismanagement.” He held in his hand a telegram from Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., which he received over twelve months ago, intimating that the clinic had been finally granted. They had received confirmation of this and had even sent their deposit forward, as instructed, but the thing was still delayed. Mr A. V. Wright: “It is certainly a bad case.” PERSONAL ITEMS. Mrs E. R. Beckett, of Geraldine, is spending a holiday in Fairlie. Mrs John Newbegin, of Cave, is spending a holiday in Geraldine.