School Committees.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4766, 5 October 1893, Page 1

School Committees.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Southbridge School Committee was held on Oct. 3 ; present— MeEsrs C. H. Willis (Chairman), J. Frame, E. C. Burns, J. | Penfold, G. Maiquand, S. Moore, E. Webster, Eev E. Whitehouse and Dr T. J. Withers. Correspondence was read as under: — From the Education Board, covering specimens of cocoa in various stages of manufacture, for use in object lessons; granting leave to cut down trees; and arranging date for inspection. From the head master, asking for information as to holidays; reporting an attendance of 64 only since tbe school reopened, and asking for instructions. The quarterly returns showed a total roll number at the commencement of the quarter of 281, at the end of 286, aveiasro attendance 229*3, largest attendance 262. The master's monthly report showed that .on Monday and Tuesday only 64> were present, and it was impossible to get on with school work. The Chairman reported that cince last meeting the school had been inspected, the report being highly Eatißtactory. After the examination the school had been given | a fortnight's holiday; during that time I the epidemic of measleo had spread rapidly and the attendance in consequence on reopening was small. He had been asked by the head master to close the school on Monday, but as the day of meeting was so | near he declined to do go without consulting the Committee. A long discussion ensued, the opinion of several members of Committee being that the attendance would have been larger had it not been for unauthorised iumoura being circulated to the effect that the school would not reopen. Dr Withers said that the outbreak was greatly exaggerated. Even if the attendance was small, surely some work could be done, and when it was known that school was going on he wan sure the attendance would increase largely. Finally it was resolved to close the school until Monday morning next, and prior to that day to make it generally known that the Ecbool would reopen and' be carried on. The Cricket Club was granted the use of the school ground on the usual terais. The inspector's report was. then read and deemed highly satisfactory. The result of the examination showed that 287 children were presented (including 66 in the preparatory class), 20 were absent, 3 excapted* 175 r passed and 20 failed, the remaining 3 being in Standard VII. The percentage of passes was 61, of failures 10 f 3. It waß unanimously decided to congratulate the head master and staff on the extremely favourable nature of the report. Accounts amounting to £9 11s lOd were passed for payment and the meeting terminated.

Ladies' polling booths are to be provided lat next general election. Another victory, I Ceylindo Teas. Within the reach of | all.— [Advt.l | Fancy Dress Ball at Ltttelton.— The Private Quadrille Assembly, of Lytteltoc, brought its season to a close on Tuesday evening with a fancy and evening dress ball held in the Colonists' Hall. The room was decorated in a most tasteful manner, and the floor was in capital order. The dresses worn represented a variety of characters, many of which were exceedingly handsome. The music was provided by Mr Brockett'a Btring baud, and the catering was in the hands of Messrs Hinds and Cordelin, and left nothing to be desired. Mr D. Page made an efficient M.C.