EDUCATIONAL

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVII, Issue 2768, 7 April 1927, Page 8

EDUCATIONAL

CAMBRIDGE DISTRICT HIGH . SCHOOL. MONTHLY. MEETING. The monthly meeting of the CrunLridge District High School Committee was held on Tuesday evening last, when there were present Messrs A. X. jiacky (chairman), C. W. Clark (secretory), H. Ferguson, E. J. Easter, C.i Huge, W. Grumitt, and H. D. Prichard (headmaster). Apologies were received for the a-bsonce of Rev. Hay and Mr V. G- Boulton. Shelters and Sheds. In response to letters from the com■puttee requesting the board to provide bicycle shelters and a tool shed for the secondary school site, the .Education Board wrote, stating the committee’s request would be considered at next board meeting. The board in a previous letter had suggested that the committee raiso a portion of the money for these works by special effort, but Mr

Clark (secretary) had'written saying

it was impossible to have another spec* s jal effort in Cambridge just now, and urging that,, this was a reasonable eharge against the board.. School Sports. The headmaster presented a balance sheet in connection with -the recent school sports, showing a credit balance of £lO 10/. ■ It was resolved to devote the surplus to the school sports fund to be expond- . ed .in laying down basketball and ten-, nts grounds, etc, The chairman congratulated the headmaster and teachers on the splendid success of the sports, and these re- • marks wore endorsed by other members of the committee. Headmaster’s Report. The headmaster (Mr H. D. Prichard) reported as follows: — Attendance. — Primary department: Average roll for March quarter, 506; average attendance, 435. For the same period of 1926 the figures were 509 and 477. Mumps have played havoc with the attendance throughout the quarter, ■ but the cpses arc becoming fewer. Seeondary department: 1927, 87 and 80; 1926, 57 and 52. Staff. —Miss Cowley left on March 22nd to visit England till October 31st. Mr R. J. Truscott is relieving in her place. Miss Williamson, who was relieving in Mrs Armstrong’s position, was replaced by Miss M. R. Oram. Mr Taylor’s place has been filled by the appointment of Miss D. M. .Smith, B.Sc., as relieving assistant in the secondary dex>artment. All 5 these teachers are taking hold in a promising way; but it is unfortunate that so many ehanges have taken place. Library.-—About, half of this has come to hand and has been apportioned between the two departments. Cataloguing is now almost 'complete. I have to thank members of the committee, including yourself, foi, assistance given in connection with the sports held last Saturday.. The ready co-operation of committee and staff! rendered the task of organising the sports a pleasant one. Thanks arc also due to Mr Dix, borough engineer, foxassistance with the ground preparations, to the Rugby Union for electing the grandstand in time for the fxinction, and to all those who gave donations towards prizes and material ■ pac'd. It js satisfactory to have a credit balance and to feel that the sports were enjoyed by the children. The septic tanks outlet at the .main school has not been working satisfactorily. It needs immediate attention; Laying Out of New Site.—l suggest the advisability of a definite plan being laid down for the progressive development of this, and the allocation of the sports surplus to the preparation of basketball courts, and erection of goalposts. Footpath, Clare Street Frontage.— This would be a boon to the children this winter and would dispose of the blackberry at present, growing on the roadside. The agricultural plots at the new site ■should be made as soon as possible. Some preliminary ploughing and fencing needs to be done. I think consideration should be given to the practicability of connecting the two school by means of a private wire, if regular telephone connection is 100 expensive. In conclusion, I have lo thank the retiring committee for their hearty cooperation and support throughout the year. New School Ground. The chairman and headmaster were requested to report re the provision of a plan of the new school grounds, showing the lay-out to be followed. Clare Street. The meeting resolved to ask the Borough Council to immediately clear and form a footpath on the, north side of Clare Street, from Victoria Street to Grey Street. Telephone. The chairman reported on the result of his enquiries re proposed telephone to connect the two schools. Mr Maeky said his enquiries were not yet com-

pletcd. The committee decided to refer the matter to the incoming committee. CongratiiliVdons.

The secretary of the Education Board wrote, conveying to the committee the board’s gratification at the success achieved by pupils of tho Cambridge school at the recent public examinations, matriculation and others. The board considered that the marked improvement in the Cambridge and other high schools during recent years was most creditable. The committee expressed pleasure at the receipt of the letter. Annual Report and Balance Sheet. The annual report and balance sheet, prepared by the secretary, was presented, and aftor discussion, adopted by the committee, for presentation at the annual meeting of householders on Wednesday next. Trees and Stumps. Mr C. Huge reported on wliat had been done re the removal of stumps from the school grounds. The work was nearly completed, and Mr Huge asked for advice as to how the stumps were to be disposed of. Mr Huge was instructed to supervise tho completion of the work, ’while the chairman and Mr Huge wore also instructed to have two large trees in the schoolground removed.