GERALDINE MANUAL TRAINING CENTRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21575, 10 February 1940, Page 3

GERALDINE MANUAL TRAINING CENTRE

Allocation Too Low

School Committee Meets

Advice that £l4 had been allocated for janitration expenses for the manual centre at Geraldine for 1940 was received at a meeting of the Geraldine School Committee from the Canterbury Education Board. The letter stated that fuel and lighting costs would be the concern of the manual instructors, and accounts for these items would be rendered by them direct to the Board's office.

The chairman (Mr A. M. Fyfe) said the £l4 would not pay the caretaker’s wages and the committee were still faced with a high expenditure. The present caretaker had resigned, and it would be difficult to secure another at the amount allocated.

The headmaster (Mr J. J. McGuigan) reported that the school had re-opened on Tuesday with a roll number of 240 ini the primary department and 87 in the secondary. Miss G. A. Templeton and Miss M. D. Denison were new probationary assistants, and Miss E. King was a supernumerary. The rest of the staff remained the same as last year. Mr McGuigan said three higher leaving certificates had been gained and three pupils had entered training college. Two pupils had secured their university entrance and two the public service certificates. Swimming Instruction In connection with the Board’s learn-to-swim campaign, Mr J. Breward, a well-known Christchurch instructor, would visit Geraldine next Wednesday and would demonstrate the best methods of Instruction, said Mr McGuigan. Surrounding schools and others interested would be invited to attend, he said. It was proposed to hold the school athletic sports on February 22 and the swimming sports on February 27. Messrs P. M. McKenzie and E. P. Bennett were appointed the visiting committee for the month. The offer of the headmaster and staff to put on a concert for funds was accepted with thanks. WEEKLY SWIM LACK OF COMPETITORS Officials outnumbered competitors at the first weekly swim held by the Geraldine Swimming Club in the Domain baths this season. In spite of the small number of swimmers three events were held and resulted: 33 1-3 Yards: A. Wood (scr) 1, J. Bennett (2sec) 2, G. Eathorne (Isec) 3. 25 Yards Breaststroke: G. Eathorne 1, A. Wood 2, J. Bennett 3. Dive: A. Wood, 10i points 1, G. Eathorne, 9i points 2, J. Bennett, 9 points 3. SECRETARY RESIGNS LONG TERM WITH SCHOOL COMMITTEE Complimentary reference to the work of Mr F. E. Whiteley, who has been secretary of the Geraldine District High School Committee for many years was paid by members at a meeting of the School Committee on Thursday evening. Mr Whiteley tendered his resignation as he was leaving to take up residence in Timaru. The chairman (Mr A. M. Fyf?) said Mr Whiteley had always had the respect of the committee, and they would be very sorry to lose his services. Mr P. M. McKenzie congratulated Mr Whiteley on securing a new position and other members expressed their good wishes. VITAL STATISTICS Five more births were registered last month than in January, 1939, according to figures supplied by the Registrar at Geraldine, Mr L. S. R. King. The vital statistics for January were as follows (the figures for the corresponding period last year being given in parentheses): Births, male 3 (6). female 8 (nil); deaths, male 1 (1), female 1 (nil); marriages 1 (3). PERSONAL The Rev. Dr. John Mackenzie, former Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, is the guest of his brother, Mr K. Mackenzie, “Stover,” Geraldine. Miss Margaret Macdonald, Macdonald Street, has returned from a holiday visit to Clinton. Miss Helen Watts, Geraldine, will leave to-day for Christchurch where she will enter the Teachers’ Training College. Mr and Mrs W. H. Kirk and Miss Rosemary Kirk, Geraldine, has returned from a holiday tour in the North Island. Mr I. Robertson, Geraldine, is visiting Wellington on holiday. THE MIKADO Based upon the opera by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, The Mikado will be screened at the Geraldine Municipal Theatre to-night at 8.15 p.m. The picture presents the first Gilbert and Sullivan opera to be screened. Leading parts are taken by Kenny Baker as Nanki-Poo and Jean Colin as Yum-Yum and Martyn Green Ko-Ko. The Mikado is portrayed by John Barclay.

The Pleasant Valley Tennis Club will hold a dance in the Pleasant Valley Hall to-night. On Sunday at 11 a.m. the preacher at the Geraldine Presbyterian Church will be the Rev. Dr. John Mackenzie, former Moderator-General of Australia. The Geraldine County Council advises that the 10 per cent penalty will be added to rates outstanding after February 14.