HOUSEHOLDERS’ MEETINGS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18554, 29 April 1930, Page 4

HOUSEHOLDERS’ MEETINGS.

Annual Election Of School Committees. NO BALLOTS IN TIMARU. The annual meetings of householders for the election of School Committees were held last night. In South Canterbury the majority of meetings were only moderately attended, and so far as the town schools were concerned, there were no elections, only the bare number of candidates for the Committee being nominated at the Main, West and Waimataitai. and at South School only eight names were handed in on closing date. WAIMATAITAI. The chairman of the School Committee (Mr G. Benstead) presided oyer the meeting at Waimataitai, at which there was only a small attendance. In regard to a recommendation passed at the last annual meeting, the chairman stated that representations had been made to the Education Department for increased incidental allowances for primary schools, but so far nothing further had been done. Referring to the small attendance, Mr Benstead said he did not know whether this was an indication of confidence in the Committee by the householders, or whether they were on the eve of some new form of government owing to a lack of interest in School Committee activities. Mr G. Wills said he was sure householders were proud of the School, and owed a deep debt of gratitude to the Committee for working so well in the interests of the children. There was no need for householders to attend the annual meeting when they had such a competent Committee to conduct the School’s affairs. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet (which have already appeared in the “Herald”), the chairman said that the Committee had had a very satisfactory year, the credit balance, over £IOO, being the largest since he had been connected with the School. This position he attributed to the general high standard of the School’s playing areas, which had cost a good deal of money in the past. Referring to the appeals to householders for fuel, Mr Benstead was of opinion that the parents should not have to pay for keeping their children warm in the primary school, while a different position presented itself in secondary institutions. He expressed the Committee’s gratification at the formation of the Waimataitai School Ex-Pupils' Association, stating that such a body would be of great benefit to the School. He congratulated Mr Sotham on the foundation work he had done, and was sure that under the chairmanship of Mr H. H. Fraser the Association would be a great success. Mr Benstead referred to the encouraging examination results, and spoke in the highest terms of praise of the efforts of the staff to uphold the position of Waimataitai as one of the finest schools in the Canterbury district. The sporting side of school activities had been most prominent during the year, but it was rather regrettable that swimming baths were not closer at hand. The introduction by the Borough Council of tepid baths on Caroline Bay would give a big fillip to the teaching of swimming amongst children in Timaru. Their associations with the staff had been of a very pleasant nature, nothing being too much for the teachers to undertake in the interests of the children. The fancy dress dance, which had obviated • the necessity for social evenings run by the Committee, was a tribute to the enthusiasm of the staff. In seconding the adoption of the report, Mr A. E. Lawrence expressed the opinion that the time was arriving when the Government would have to face the question of whether they wanted School Committees or not. The present treatment meted out to men who participated in what he described as a very interesting work, was most discouraging, and the fact that they had to take round the hat to provide essential school maintenance was not an incentive for any man to offer his services. Quoting from the annual report of 1925, Mr Lawrence stated that the personnel of the Committee had changed considerably, the chairman being the only member who was still associated with the Committee. It was expected that the control of a number of large schools in the Wellington district would revert to Education Boards, in view of the fact that committeemen were heartily sick of the treatment accorded them by the Education Department. Mr Lawrence, referring to the examination results of the School, stated that this was a reflection* of the good work of the staff. All children could not be judged, however, by the proficiency examination, and the problem of retarded children in the schools of New Zealand was a very serious one. There were thousands of scholars who were behind the normal rate of progress as provided by the system. The reorganisation of New Zealand schools had been much before the public, and there had been considerable debate on where primary education should conclude and secondary begin. Many education authorities were of opinion that the primary leaving age should be eleven, but in his opinion it was a fundamental fallacy for anyone to say that when children had reached the age of eleven they were all possessed of the same qualifications. All rightthinking persons knew that different children developed physically and mentally at different ages. In considering the causes of retarded children Mr Lawrence said there was no doubt that the constant changes in staffing must have a detrimental effect on the pupils, and this could be avoided to a large extent by giving teachers promotion and increased pay in the schools they were at, instead of making it necessary to chase all over the country. In Timaru in 1925 there were seventy-five teachers attached to the four primary schools, but to-day only sixteen of that number were still teaching in these schools. The changes in headmasters at Waimataitai during the past five years was alone detrimental to progress, there having been tnree headmasters and two relieving headmasters during that period. Mr Lawrence dealt with the appointment and grading of teachers, and expressed the opinion that the present system was most unsatisfactory and ! fundamentally unsound. There was no 1 finer material in the world than that available in the primary schools of New Zealand, and there was nowhere that the work of teaching was carried out so well, especially in the infant departments and fifth and sixth standards, despite the fact that headmasters in many cases had to contend with probationary teachers in charge of standards. Mr Lawrence asked the headmaster through the chairman if any of the classes in his school were controlled by probationary or substitute teachers. Mr Malcolm said that such was the case in his school in two instances. Mr* Lawrence said that this revealed

a most unsatisfactory state of affairs, Which was not peculiar to Waimataitai School. There were in New Zealand 3687 assistants, and of these 460 ranked as probationary or substitute teachers. That meant to say that nearly 12 h per cent., or one-eighth of the assistants in the prijnary schools belonged to this ever-changing class of teacher. This meant that the headmaster of a big school not only had to teach the children, but also teach the teachers. |Mr Lawrence said he deplored the attitude of successive Governments in discouraging the work of Committees, as he was certain that no educational project could be successfully carried on without local interest. Although committeemen did not receive many bouquets, any work in the interests of school children was a pleasure, and facilities should be provided to make it more encouraging for the men prepared to carry on. He referred to the Committee’s excellent credit balance, and suggested that the headmaster should be empowered to spend a substantial sum on the purchase of supplementary readers, which were a fine adjunct to the syllabus. The headmaster (Mr R. A. Malcolm) stated that the standard of work in New Zealand was higher than that of the Old Country, and yet the children were expected to pass through Standard 4 at the same age. In his j opinion, that was the reason for so much apparent retardation in this country. The chairman spoke against the present grading system, stating that it savoured the system in operation in England some years ago, and that was payment on results. The report was adopted. Only the required number of nominees were received for the new Committee, and the following were elected without a ballot: —Messrs G. : Benstead, F. Oxford, H. L. Warsaw, C. Johnston, G. G. Lewis, J. G. Jowsey, A. L. Lamb, H. G. Naylor, and P. E. Clark. The headmaster returned thanks on behalf of the teachers. It had been a pleasure and inspiration to work with a Committee who showed so much interest in the School. The School had recently purchased supplementary readers to the extent of £2O, and he was sure that the value of these would be worth the expense. He was a strong supporter of class libraries, and hoped that the p e would be possible in the near future. On behalf of the staff he desired to thank the parents for their whole-hearted support during the year. As this would possib'y be his last position in the scholastic world, he was proud to finish his career in the Waimataitai district. The chairman and headmaster made reference to the value of Bible lessons to the School, and it was decided to thank the Timaru Ministers’ Association for their good work. Thanks were accorded the retiring members of the Committee, Messrs W. D. Hume, W. Sotham and B. Manning, and the chairman welcomed Messrs H. G. Naylor, P. G. Clark and A. L. Lamb to seats on the Committee. At a subsequent meeting of the Committee, Mr Benstead was, on the motion of Messrs Jowsey and Johnston, re-elected chairman. Mr H. L. Warsaw, the present treasurer, was appointed secretary and treasurer. The meeting night was fixed for the first Tuesday in each month. Messrs Naylor and Oxford were appointed school visitors for the month. TIMARU MAIN. At the meeting at the Main school there was a fair attendance. Mr J. W. Preen presided. Mr Preen said that they were met again to review the Committee’s work for the year. All except two of the cld Committeemen were remaining on the Committee. He was glad that committeemen were taking an interest in school affairs, because the work -was not always pleasant, especially the continual begging for money. Much had been done in the way of improvement, and the report was a very good one. The education of the children of the Dominion was a very important work, and for this finance was needed. The Education Board did not always supply the money requisite for the school’s needs. Another matter needing attention in some New Zealand schools was the providing of good school buildings, not necessarily elaborate. He knew of one school where, on a rainy day, the roof leaked so badly, that the children had to be sent home. The Committee had done their work to the best of their ability, and if. in the eyes of the householders, they bad made mistakes, they could only say that they wished their faults to be judged as impartially as were their virtues. On the motion of Mr A. Stead, seconded by the Rev. H. T. Peat, the report and balance sheet was adopted. Mr Preen said that many improvements had been effected in the grounds during the year. A large hole in the school grounds had been filled up. The children had made flower gardens along the fence, and these had brightened up the grounds to a marvellous degree. The Rev. H. T. Peat suggested that if at any time alterations were being made to the school buildings, a school assembly hall should be made by the knocking down of some partitions. An assembly hail was a part of the corporate life of every large school. Mr Preen said that it was a good idea, but the Main School was not likely to be rebuilt. It had been built to last for ever. Mr Baker suggested that an assembly hall could be built in the quadrangle. Thereupon Mr Peat moved as a recommendation that the incoming Committee confer with the headmaster in regard to re-organising the school, and if such re-organisation was found necessary, that it be so arranged as to permit the establishment of an assembly hall. This was carried by acclamation. Mr Preen mentioned that there had been only eight nominations for the nine seats on the Committee. The incoming Committee would recommend a householder to the Canterbury Education Board for election. The Committee had spent £74 a year for the last three years in heating the school. A subsidy had been guaranteed for the partitioning off of the school library, but the Committee had had to spend £9O on the purchase of books. The householders were asked by Mr Preen to decide whether it was advisable to continue the giving of prizes. Several present spoke against the giving of prizes, the main reason being that it was not always the hardest worker who won the prize. It was moved by Mr Baker, and seconded by Mr Butcher—“ That this meeting of householders desires that school prizes be abolished.” The motion was carried unanimously. A recommendation was made that the incoming Committee confer with parents as to the advisability of adopting a school uniform. It was moved as a recommendation that letters be sent to the local M.P. and to the School Committees’ Association urging that free books be supplied to school children. Votes of thanks were passed to the Canterbury Education Board, the School Committee, the headmaster and staff, the Timaru Ministers’ Association, the Old Boys’ Association, and the Press.

SOUTH SCHOOL. At the Timaru South School, Mr W. Gibb was elected to the chair, and presided over an attendance of about 30 householders. Mr Gibb said that he did not intend to make many remarks in regard to the working of the school, as no doubt householders had perused the report issued. There would, however, probably be some points in the report that would require elucidation. it was regrettable, that in such a large district as the school covered, there was not a larger attendance that evening. He would have liked to see more apparent interest displayed by householders, at such a function. He suggested that, if there were larger attendances, there would be a good deal more known as to how the school was progressing. Mr Gibb regretted also, that householders had not “filled the bill” in the matter of nominations for seats on the School Committee. This was the second year in which only eight of the required number, nine, had been received. Annual Report. The annual report (which has already appeared in the “Herald”) was read to the meeting by Mr Gibb, who added that since the report was printed Anzac Day had been observed, as usual, at the schpol. The Rev. H. T. Peat had again conducted the service, the Salvation Army. Band had been in attendance, and the “Last Post” had been sounded by Mr J Koller, an ex-pupil of the school. Touching on the finances of the school. Mr Gibb read the statement of the school fund accounts for the year, which was as follows: General Account: Receipts £350/17/6. payments £303/0/8, leaving a creditbalance of £47/16/10. Special Account: Receipts £l6B/16/7. The statement showed that the amount due to the Committee (subsidy on payments and ground improvements), was £l2/10/-. Accounts unpaid by the Committee totalled £3/10//11. These accounts had come to hand after the balance sheet had been printed. Mr Gibb then formally moved that the report and balance sheet be adopted. In reply to Mr G. T. Koller, as to the reason for such a large charge for the water supply (£sl), Mr Gibb explained that, by some means, close on one million gallons had been registered as being used in one month. No one knew how the water had been used, as the result of an appeal to the Canterbury Education Board, the sum of £2B had been received. Mr Gibb added that the water charges shown on the balance sheet were not covered in the present year, but in the latter end of the previous year. The School Committee had approached the Borough Council, but that body had been unable to give any financial assistance. In conclusion, Mr Gibb referred to the financial position shown in the general account. He said that the amount included £4l/14/which belonged to the library fund, and on which a subsidy would be received. Really, the position was that there was a credit balance of a little over £6, less the accounts to be paid. Mr Gibb’s motion for the adoption of the report and balance sheet was then seconded by Mr Koller and after considerable discussion, was adopted. New Committee. The chairman stated that eight nominations had been received for seats on the Committee with the power invested in him, as chairman of the meeting, he declared the incoming Committee as follows:—Messrs L. C. Davies, W. J. Dickson, W. W. Green, W. J. Gibb, V. H. Keay, J. McCann, F. E. Stewart and L. S. Ward. General. The chairman stated that he had one or two matters to bring forward. Representations had been made to him in favour of the formation of an ExPupils’ Association. He stated that, although none of the members of last year’s Committee had been ex-pupils, they would be only too pleased to offer any assistance. Mr Gibb added that in Wellington a proposal to form, as an alternative, a Home and Schools’ Association, had met with considerable support, and the venture had proved successful. This latter idea embraced parents, past scholars, and teachers, and was of wider scope than the former. To either body, however, the School Committee would be an external force. Mr Gibb next referred to the suggested abolition of prizes, and to what should take their places. A move at present on foot favoured the organising of school reference and reading libraries. In conclusion, the chairman stated that, in January 1931, the school would be celebrating its jubilee. He said that, with help from past pupils, a history of the school was now being compiled. The original school, it was stated, consisted of one common and two class rooms, on the present site, and had been opened in January 1881. Each question was discussed at some length, and in regard to the first it was decided that a meeting be called to place the facts before householders and ex-pupils. On the motion of Mr Koller, it was decided, in regard to prizes, that it be a recommendation to the incoming Committee that the practice of prizegiving be discontinued, in favour of the building of an up-to-date library, the introduction of more music, and the purchase of suitable pictures for the school. With regard to the third question, it was agreed that this form portion of the business to be decided at the meeting to be called to decide upon the formation of an Ex-pupils’ Association. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the headmaster (Mr J. Methven), and staff, for the very efficient manner in which they had carried out their duties during the year. The meeting recorded votes of thanks to Messrs A. McNeil, S. Houston, T. Jacobs and F. Matthews retiring members of the Committee for past services. Votes of thanks were also passed to the ladies, to the janitor, to the committeemen, the chairman and to the Press. A special vote of thanks was passed to the headmaster, it being decided, on the motion of Mr V. H. Keay, that the services of Mr Methven to the South School be placed on record, and that deep regret was felt at his retirement from the school and from the teaching profession. It was decided to forward a copy of the resolution to the Education Board. Committee Meeting. A meeting of the Committee was then 'held, when Mr Dickson was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The past chairman (Mr Gibb), declined nomination. He stated that he had now occupied the position for ten years, and wished someone else to accept nomination. Mr Gibb was elected secretary, and Mr Stewart treasurer. Mr A. McNeil was elected to the vacant seat on the Committee.' It was decided to meet on the first Wednesday in each month. The Committee placed on record Mr Gibb’s long and valued service to the 1 ,school, in the capacity of chairman. ,

WEST SCHOOL. The meeting at the West School was rather sparsely attended. On the motion of Mr T. C. Palliser, Mr W. H. Thompson was elected to the chair. Annual Report. The annual report stated that receipts for the year ended February 28th amounted to £443/10/10, and expenditure for the same period had been £368/9/4, leaving a credit balance of £75/1/6. During the year two general meetings of householders had been held, the first to discuss arrangements for the gala, and the second to make arrangements for the picnic. The gala day had again been a spelndid success, thanks to the Ladies’ Guild. The annual picnic was held at Temuka and showed a small credit balance. By special arrangement pupils of the school, with those of other schools in the district, had attended the Christchurch Winter Show. The trip had been of real benefit to the children, and it was hoped similar arrangements would be made this year. In response to the usual appeal for fuel £2O/8/7 had been collected. By request from the committee the Education Board had imported a large furnace f#j heating the school, and it should beA*eady for use before the winter. When the new syllabus came into operation it was recommended that reference libraries should be installed in the schols. The committee had done its best to meet the wishes of the Department, and with the help of the Education Board, had fitted up a room. The Ladies’ Guild donated linoleum, the staff £ll, expupils £5, and various friends made gifts of books. Finance had at last enabled the carrying out of important ground improvements, such as concrete in area, and grading and levelling the play-ground. The annual Anzac service was held at the school, and was well attended by parents and friends. The usual cocoa service was carried on during the winter months, the material being supplied by the committee, parents and staff. On several very cold days every child in the school was given a cup of hot cocoa during the morning. The School Savings Bank was still doing good work. During the year £247 had been deposited and £192 withdrawn. No changes had taken place in the permanent staff during the year. The usual change of probationary assistants and probationers had taken place and those at the school were doing good work. The football and basketball teams had all played keen and enthusiastic games. The senior football team had won the South Canterbury championship. In the lower grades the teams'had acquitted themselves well. At the athletic sports, held on Fraser Park, the school was very successful, being runner-up for the Champion Cup. The prize money won at these sports was used to provide sports material for the school. Swimming classes had been conducted regularly when the weather v/as suitable. The school swimming sports, at Oldway Baths, proved a very popular function. There was a good attendance of parents, and all events were keenly contested by the pupils. Forty-seven certificates had been awarded to pupils swimming distances from 50 yards up to one mile. At the Inter-Schools sports pupils did well, but were not able to retain the shield. In conclusion the retiring committee thanked all those who had assisted in the several activities of the school.

Reviewing the year’s work, Mr Thompson said that it had been a very strenuous year for the committee, but with the guidance of the treasurer, to whom much credit was due, they had emerged on the right side. The library building and books for the shelves had been a big item, but the position at present was satisfactory. A matter which called for serious consideration was the decreasing school roll. It was noticed that several children residing in the vicinity were attending other schools, and although parents were free to send them to any school they chose, the committee urged parents to support the school in their own district. The position was that if the roll diminished further the school would be deprived of one of its staff, and he was sure noone wished that to happen. Mr Segar quoted an instance in which two children, 4£ years of age, had been refused admission to the school on the grounds that the age limit was five years. The children had been sent to another school. He thought that it was a matter for the Schoool Committees Association to decide an age limit in this respect. Mr T. C. Palliser said that although he thought the matter was beyond the jurisdiction of the Association, it would be a good thing if an agreement between the headmasters could be arrived at. The legal school age was seven. The headmaster (Mr W. G. Burns), said that when the inspectors had been at the school recently, one of them had remarked on the youth of pupils in the lower classes of some schools. On being told that a limit of five years 'was in force at the West School, he stated that it was a satisfactory arrangement. Election of Officers. As only nine nominations were received for the nine seats on the school committee the following members were declared elected:—Messrs Robt. Cunningham, W. H. Thompson, J. D. Washington, R. W. Marshall, G. A. Hutt, G. H. Ferguson, A. B. Shipley, T. C. Palliser and J. A. Norrie. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Chairman, Mr W. H. Thompson; deputy-chairman, Mr G. A. Hutt; secretary, Mr T. C. Palliser; treasurer, Mr G. H. Ferguson. It was decided that a vote of thanks to the retiring members of the committee, be recorded in the minutes. Votes of thanks were also accorded the following:—Education Board, Ladies’ Guild, staff, Ministers’ Association, the janitress, and the Press. Question of Prizes. The chairman stated that at a meeting of the School Committees Association held some time ago, the matter of abolishing school prizes had been brought up, but he had told the Association that he would not permit any motion of theirs to include the West School, as he had not had an opportunity of consulting the householders. Prizes had been dispensed with in some schools owing to lack of funds, but this was not the position at the West School. The balance sheet showed an expenditure of £25 last year on this item, and it was for the householders to say if they favoured the distribution of prizes or not. Mr T. C. Palliser, in supporting the abolition of prizes, said that the matter had been a very old sore with most committees for some time. In his estimation the present system was wrong. He suggested that the money expended each year on prizes should be put to other uses, such as buying books for the school library. He moved:—“That the custom of giving school prizes be abolished.” The motion was seconded by Mr A. B. Shipley. Mr E. Firkin suggested the giving of a dux medal and certificates. In this way the pupils would still have some material end to strive for, while there would be very little expense incurred. 1 The headmaster (Mr W. G. Burns), I said that although there were argu- I ments both for and against, he would j advocate that prizes be dispensed with, j Some children were born with higher intellectual qualifications than others, and it was not fair that the., should re j

ceive prizes year after year, when it was not necessary for them to work as hard as their less fortunate classmates. In some homes there were better facilities for the children to study than in others, and these pupils held an advantage over the “plodders” who although they strived hard all the year, never gained prizes. Prizes catered for the lucky few, continued Mr Burns, whereas if the money was put into the school library the whole school would reap the benefit. Prizes were the curse of sport to-day, and it was his aim to instil into the pupils that they should play the game for the game’s sake, and not for what they got out of it. The same applied to their scholastic work.

Speaking strongly in favour of the giving of prizes, Mr J. A. j Norrie said that the thought of receiv- , ing a prize at the end of the year encouraged the children to work. No difficulty had been experienced in raising the necessary funds, and he did not see why the old custom should not be adhered to. Mr E. Firkin remarked that the question was a most important one, and in view of the small attendance, he thought it would be advisable to hold the matter over until a larger attendance could be secured. Mr J. A. Norrie then moved as an amendment:—“That the matter be left in the hands of the incoming committee.” On being put to the meeting this was carried. WASHDYKE. There was a moderate attendance at the annual meeting of householders at Washdyke. Mr Stewart presided. The balance sheet and report disclosed a satisfactory position, the headmaster and staff being complimented on the year’s work. The following Committee was elected: —Mr A. F. Stocker (chairman), Mr W. Parlane (secretary), and Messrs G. G. Watt, C. Campbell and E. Prattley.