SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7709, 18 April 1916, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.

The annual meetings of hous holders for the election of scho committees took place throughout tl district last evening. There were r burning questions agitating the pul lie mind, and the meetings were vei quiet. WAIPAWA. About twenty householders a tended the meeting at Waipawa, an Mr A. E. Jull was voted to the ehai: Mr H. M. Rathbone, chairman o the retiring committee, moved th adoption of the report and balance sheet (published in detail in Satui day’s issue of the -“Mail”). This was seconded by Mr Brewe and carried without discussion. The chairman, in putting th motion, which was carried unani mously, said the position disclose* was highly satisfactory, reflecting great credit on the outgoing commit tee. Nominations for the new committe* were made as follows:—Messrs H. M. Rathbone, F. Holt, E. H. Brewer A. E. King, W. Pellow, T. Carson, J Bibby, R. H. Wedde, and C. H, Critchley. The nominations not exceeding the number required the candidates were declared duly elected. The chairman said there was important work before the committee in the ensuing year. It would be their duty to assist in the appointment of a successor to the late headmaster, and a great deal of the success of the school would depend on that appointment. The outgoing committee’s report also indicated that there were other matters of importance that would require attention, and he was sure that the new committee would work with the same harmony that had prevailed in the past. Before closing he would like to | tender a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring committee for their work in the past year. This was seconded by Mr F. Peters, and a vote of thanks to Mr Jull for presiding closed the meeting. At a subsequent meeting of the new committee Mr H. M. Rathbone was re-elected chairman and Mr F. Holt secretary. It was decided to meet on the first Monday in each month at 6.45 p.m. The chairman and secretary were appointed a visiting committee for the present month. WAIPUKURAU. The householders’ meeting at Waipukurau was well attended, considering the unfavorable weather. The Mayor occupied the chair. The report and balance-sheet were adopted as highly satisfactory, and special thanks were passed to the outgoing committee for their work during the year, and also to the | headmaster and his staff for the high slate of efficiency attained in regard to educational matters. The householders were unanimous in affirming the resolution passed at the hast annual meeting, viz., “That the time had arrived for the establishment of a high school at Waipukurau. ’ 1 Twelve nominations were received, the first nine being successful at the ballot:—Messrs J. Warren, F. Hopkinson, G .Smales, A. I). Gibson, T. Hutchinson, E. A. Goodger, 0. D. Robertson, H. R. French, G. Bryce, D. Winter, W. Booth, M. Sowry. A tie resulted between D. Winter and G. Bryce. On drawing lots the former was successful. Messrs Butler and Menzies acted as scrutineers. At the committee meeting following Mr J. Warren was appointed chairman and Mr G. Smales secretary (reelected). TIKOKINO. There were nine householders present at the Tikokino meeting, Mr E. 0. Roach being voted to the chair. The financial statement of the outgoing committee showed a credit balance of a little more than £l7. The following were elected to serve on the incoming committee:—Messrs Butler, Ireland, Roach, Addis and Oliver. At a meeting of the*committee held afterwards, Messrs Butler and Roach were appointed chairman and secretary respectively. ONGA ONGA. At the annual meeting of householders at Onga Onga the attendance was small, probably on account of the rainy weather. The chairman (Mr W. E. Coles) presented the following report:—“l am not in a position to give you a lengthy report, as my term of office dates from only about three months back. We had the misfortune during the year to lose our chairman, Mr Harkness, and also Mr S. Graham, both of whom took a keen interest in school matters. We have also to record losing Mr Bisscll, headmaster, and Miss O’Brien, headmistress, during the past year. However, I am pleased to be able to say that each of these teacher’s places is again filled very satisfactorily by Mr Cockroft and Miss Smith respectively. I am sorry to have to report that the attendance is not what it should be, which I am afraid is in some cases the fault of parents, though in a great measure through sickness. It behoves parents to see to this, or we shall be losing some of our staff. The number on the roll is now 125, but last quarter’s average attendance was 1 only 93. We are pleased to be able to report general good progress in the school. All the Sixth Standard pupils passed well at last examination, all but one gaining proficiency passes and the one exception a competency certificate. I have to thank the committee for their attendance and support during my term of office, and particularly Mr Lucas as secretary. We leave the new committee a credit balance of £3 12s 6d with which to start their year. ” The following committee were elected for the ensuing, year:—Messrs W. Coles (chairman), G. Lucas (secretary), 11. Buchanan, W. Willicombc, 11. Whyte, H. Robb and J. Baker. At a meeting of the new committee the secretary was authorised to write a letter of condolence to Mrs Watson on account of the death of her husband. It was decided to call tenders for the supply of stationery and foi cleaning, and to procure a supply ol firewood for the winter. '

OTANE. Tlie annual meeting of the householders at Otane took place in the schoolroom, Mr G. McKay occupying the chair. e The balance-sheet, which showed an 0 expenditure of £sl for the year, was ’’ adopted. y Seven householders were nominated for the committee, _the following being elected Messrs G. McKay, W. Fletcher, S. R. Stedman, J. J. Steven - and W. Beale. Mr F. Cambridge had 3 the same number of votes as Mr ■. Beale, but retired in his favor. £ The committee met afterwards and e elected Mr G. McKay chairman and - Mr W. Fletcher secretary. Following is a copy of the chairman’s report:—“The time has again r ''oiled round for the School Committee to report to you on the working of : the school for the year, and in carry- - ing out this duty the committee wish [ to congratulate you on the continued : prosperity of your school. The roll ■ now stands at 92, and the attendance throughout the twelve months has been highly satisfactory. The only new work of any consequence, as far as building is concerned, was the erection of a fuel shed. All fences, buildings and outbuildings are in excellent order, while the condition of the ground shows the great pride

which both teachers and pupils take in their school. “Since you last met Miss Woodhouse has severed her connection with the school after several years of good and faithful work, and your committee have put on record its appreciation of her valuable services. Miss McNaughton and Miss Powell, two assistants of more recent appointment, have also left the school after doing good work, the second and third positions now being filled . by Miss Hiddleston and Miss Mcßae. We have complete confidence in the present staff, and have no doubt that the school’s fine record in the past will be maintained. “Most of you are aware that the children and teachers have been doing good work in connection with the war. Many of the children subscribed regularly toward the Belgian Relief Fund, while a good deal of time and money has been spent making scarves, handkerchiefs, socks, etc., for Red Cross purposes. This work has been rather hampered of late by changes in the teaching staff, but will be resumed almost immediately. “In conclusion, your committee wish to thank the people of Otane for assistance rendered to the committee during the year, also the headmaster and staff, who have materially assisted your committee in making the school environment such as will have a lasting influence for good on the minds of the children. I would make special mention of the generosity of Mrs Alfred Dillon, senr., who last Christmas presented gold medals in continuation of her late husband’s keen interest in the school. Mrs Dillon has intimated her intention of presenting similar medals this year. Wishing your school continued prosperity. ’ ’