THE SCHOOL ELECTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 90, 16 April 1929, Page 8

THE SCHOOL ELECTIONS

Wanganui Board’s District

ANNUAL MEETINGS OF HOUSEHOLDERS

Meetings of householders were held throughout the Wanganui Education Board’s district last night for the purpose of electing committees for the respective schools for the ensuing year. In the majority of cases there was evidence of a keen interest in the welfare of primary education and matters appertaining to the schools generally, their conduct, surroundings and influence in moulding the outlook of the rising generation. The personnel of gome of the committees is given below.

NORTHERN COMMITTEE

VARIOUS MATTERS DISCUSSED There was an attendance of just, on fifty at the meeting of householders of the Northern Schools’ district, presided over by Mr W. Bruce. The annual report (already published) and balance sheet were adopted. In reviewing the past season the chairman paid a tribute to the cooperation of the various committeemen, and said that the school had been fortunate in having energetic men to do its work. A great bulk of the work had been left to sub-committees and the scheme had worked admirably. Head Teachers’ Reports. The head mistress at the Keilb Street Infants’ {School (Miss E. R. Sampson) stated in her report, inter alia, that the roll at the end of 1928 was 293. At the annual examination 84 children passed Standard 1. and the school roll was at present 237. They had already made up quite a number of those who had left. The dental clinic had treated the children very efficiently and systematically, and she would like to pay a tribute to the work of Nurse {Savage, who left the clinic at the end of last year, after some years of excel-

lent work. The school had suffered a good deal this year from epidemic diseases, Quite a number of the children had had scarlet fever, but she was satisfied that they had not attended school within the prescribed quarantine period. The headmaster at Queen's Park (Mr C. J. McLean j reported, inter alia, that the Board’s carpenters had carried out many small alterations during the year and had just recently attended to the windows and affixed new blinds.

Since last year there had been changes in the staff and others were imminent. Miss McCulloch, Mr Richardson and Miss Nisbet, had left. Miss Houston, Mr Tasker and Misses Knowles and {Scott had been appointed this year. Reference was made to the fine record the school enjoyed in sport, particularly in swimming, life-saving and Rugby. The Payne Memorial Cup had been won by Queen’s Park with a percentage of 92. the school gaining second place securing 4U. (Applause).

Recently the Minister of Education (Hon. H. Atmore) had visited the school, the report continued, and spoke most interestingly to the children. Lack of funds had prevented the carrying out of improvements to the grounds, but it was hoped that this year something would be done to improve them. With the new building about to erected the school would be better than ever. It was a pity that there was not more playing areas. A letter was received from the Wanganui Education Board to the effect that a Government grant bad been made to erect new conveniences for the boys and girls’ shelter shed The secretary (AQ- A. R. Donaldson) said that the work would cost about £3OO more than the grant, and the Board was finding this amount from its own funds. (Applati.se). Election of Committee. There were 12 nominations to fill the nine vacancies on the committee, and the following were elected: Messrs J. Moye, W. Bruce, H. (.’ Jennings A. P. Ralph, A. M. Bateman’, B. Edwards, A. Hickford, A. Webby and Mrs Margaret Siddells. Subsequently, Mr Bruce was elected chairman and Mr Ralph secretary. Tributes to the work done by the retiring secretary (Mr A. R. Donaldson) were made by the chairman and Mr .1. .Sampson Both eulogised his efforts and zeal in obtaining subsidies for school funds and expressed regret that he could no longer fill the position owing to pressure of work. Mr Donaldson replied, and said that It was a wrench to leave school work, but he saw no other course. His services would be at the call of the committee in connection with subsidy matters. (Applause). Bible-in-Schools. Brief reference was made to the Bible-in-schools question, which was such a debatable subject last rear when a motion by Mr J. Grant expressing pleasure at the resumption of the Bible reading in the schools, as formerly carried on for some eighteen years was carried. " /' Mrs Siddells introduced the question of capitation paid on pupils attending the schools under the committee’s jurisdiction, and a resolution backing the Keith Street Parents’ Association in an endeavour to obtain an increase was carried, it being decided to take the matter direct to the .Minister of Education A motion wishing Mr E. W. Clarke a speedy and complete recovers from his illness and eulogising his work on the committee was carried. A like tri■bute was paid to Mr .Sampson whose health would not permit him to seek re •lection. WANGANUI EAST The meeting of householders at 'Wanganui East was presided over bv Mr A. J. Rusden. The following committee was elected:—Messrs F. B.'Clark, F. J. Earles. J Phizacklea, W. H. Riley. .1. c. Mathieson, R L. Thompson,’ C. Goldsbury, G. B. Earles. The. committee elected Mr F. B. Clark as chairman, and Mr W. 11. Rile v as secretary. There was a moderate attendance at the meeting. The balance sheet was read ami showed a credit balance of £49 12.-. I matters of interest to the sch- * brought forward.

ELECTION NOT NECESSARY

[SOUTHERN SCHOOLS’ COMMITTEE i Due no doubt to the fact that an election for the Wanganui Southern Schools’ Committee wps nut necessary, the meeting of householders was not a large one, A gathering of about 20 was presided over by Mr W. McElwain. Reference xrus made by the chairman. to the smooth manner in which the members of the committee had worked together. Unfortunately the chairman of the committee, the Rev. J. Paterson, was unable to be present owing to illness. The speaker paid a tribute to the interest taken by Mr Paterson, in school affairs. Chairman's Report. The report, inter alia, was as follows: — “Our playing urea at the Avenue School is now equal to any playing area in the city. It was necessary to purchase a motor lawn mower to cope with such a large area, approximately four acres. This was principally done out of the common funds with the assistance of Mr H. D. Bates £IU, Rev. Paterson £5 and the school staff £.IU, Having to pay £75 out of the general funds has been a big draw on our finances, and as there has been no call on the parents for three or four years, it will be necessary for some effort to be made this coming year to assist the* committee financially. Improvements Effected. “During the year a new bicycle shed has been built at the Avenue School and porcelain washbasins installed at the Central Infants’ School. Though the Education Department ruled that it could not subsidise motor lawn motors to primary schools, when the matter was placed before Mr Atmore he made a grant of £l6 8s Cd, for which we are grateful. To the Swankers’ Club we are also indebted for giving men employment at both of the schools at their expense. Baths Unprofitable. “The past season was a very unprofitable one. The weather was so changeable and at the end of the year the baths show a deficit of £3O. Though the baths show this loss, there is a compensating asset in this, namely that nearly 100 of our children and .100 from the other schools, have learned to swim during the season. For this the credit is due to the school staff and the caretaker of the baths (Mr C. A. I Duffy). The duties of caretaker have been well carried out. Teaching Staff “To Mr Jackson and his staff we must give our thanks for the ready manner in which they' came to the assistance of the committee with concerts by the children in aid of the. funds. “Bible teaching at the schools was re-introduced this year. The headmaster, Mr Jackson, Avenue School, ami the headmistress Central Infants, Miss Blennerhassett, report that it is working quite satisfactorily. “1 would like to point out that the rock wall on the Dublin Street frontage has partially collapsed and the estimated cost of its reconstruction on a more solid basis will cost in the proximity of £lOO. If we can raise £5O lor this work I believe the Department will subsidise this amount £ for £. “The caretaker of the schools (Mr B. Edwards) has carried out his duties in an efficient wanner.” The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, referred to the splendid relations existing between the committee and the teaching staff. It. was through the efforts of Mr Jackson and his staff that the grass was cut and the expense of maintaining the mower was lessened. The headmaster, Mr P. J. Jackson, suggested that a idles’ committee be formed with a view of assisting the teaching staff in a big effort to raise funds tor the school. In passing, he referred to the fact that the annual stall, effort would be held next Thursday. The speaker went on to thank the committee and the parents for their assistance during the past year. The committee was returned without election as follows: Mrs A. E. Goodey, and Messrs A. Hickford, D. D. Milligan, P. P. Taiboys, R. AL Croker. A. H. Ross, W McElwain, and Jos. Parnell. The names of Mrs Siddells and Airs F. Wagstaff were submitted for the one vacancy on the committee. Appreciative references were made to the work done by Air McElwain in the laying out of the ground. It was decided to write to the Rev. Mr Paterson expressing the thanks of the householders for his services as chairman.of the committee. A vote of thanks was also accorded to the headteachers and the staffs of the schools. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Air Taiboys was appointed chairman and Mr A. H. Ross, secretary. OKOIA At the meeting of householders at Okoia the following committee was elected: Messrs E. McCormick. J. Wright. I. Spooner, H. Hogg and G. Jones. The committee elected Mr H. Hogg as chairman, and Mr G. Jones as secret a r v. WESTMERE There was a poor attendance of householders at the Westmere School, Mr H. B Cave presiding. The fidlowing committee was elected:—Messrs H. B. Cave, F. Dunbar, M. J. Smart, T. Davison, and C. DickinMr 11. B. Cave was elected chairman anj Mr C. Dickinson, secretary

DURIE HILL SCHOOL The meeting of Durie Hill householders at. the Presbyterian Hall was presided over by Air H. Rowell there oeing a good Attendance. Appreciative reference fo the services rendered to the Durie Hill School by the headmaster, Air D. McPherson is made in the annual report of the chairman of the school committee presented at the annual meeting of householders last evening. Air McPherson, who has been promoted to a higher grade school at Raetihi has always worked hard for the welfare of his school, states the report. 'The results obtained during the proficiency examinations go to prove what an excellent teacher the school has lost. During the year, continues the report, the committee renewed its application to the Education Department for more classroom accommodation and its efforts were rewarded by the present fine new schoolroom. In this connection mention is made of the. splendid help given by Air W. A. Collins, chairman of the Education Board and Mr Glenn, but for whom the children, no doubt, would still be much overcrowded in the schoolrooms. The school band has been provided with .16 very fine uniforms. The draining of the whole of the playgrounds, it is stated, will be greatly’ appreciated by the children who, in the past, have had to wade tl rough mud and xvater in pursuit of the football. Although a great d.eal of improvement has been effected, there is still much to be done, and the incoming committee will have to continue on with the good work ahead of them. The outgoing committee has provided the finance to finish the improvements to the ground in front of the new school, and it is hoped that this work will be put, in hand at once, so that it may be completed before the winter. The report concludes with :.n expression of thanks to the committee, for the splendid spirit manifested in its work during the. year. The following committee was elected: Air A. J. Burt, Air T. W. Freeman, Air H. Rowell, Air S. E. Read, Mr A. C. Bourgeois, Airs AV. C. Freeman and Airs Al. E. Bourgeois. The committee elected Air A. ,T. Burtt as chairman and Air A. C. Bourgeois as secretary. GONVILLE The meeting of householders at Gouville was presided over by Rev. Elliott. The following committee was elected:—Alessrs T. Anderson, R. Barrow, R. Brookie, B. Dunn, E. Christie, F. Shedd, G. Jones, H. Newton, and T. Groves. The committee elected Mr G. Jones as chairman, and Air H. Newton as secretary. There were 23 householders present. CASTLECLIFF At the Town Hall, Castlecliff, there was a fair attendance of householders, presided over by Air E. Beadle. The following committee was elected: Alrg J. K. Mill. Airs A. E. Vernon, Messrs T. AV. Cuthbertson, J Scott AV. Pettitt, AV. R. Gibson, D. Lloyd,’ J. Lockett, and AV. J, Melvilie. The committee elected Mr D. Lloyd as chairman and Air AV. R. Gibson as secretary. Last year’s chairman (Mr R. F. Beadle) and the secretary (Air W. O. Cashbolt) did not, seek re-election owing to the fact that they both intend residing permanently in the city in the future. ARAMOHO The meeting uf householders at Aramoho was presided over by Air A. E. Halligan. The following committee was elected: —Messrs L. G. Howarth, C. Howard, A. V. Slight, A. J. Caldwell, C. A; Campbell, G. E. Malder, S. Houston, A. E. Halligan, I. Pepper. The committee elected Air A. E. Halligan as chairman and Air I. Pepper as secretary. Sixteen householders were present. Mr Halligan favoured the recommendation that the Education Board use standardised school books. MAXWELL The meeting of householders at Alaxwell wa s presided over by Air W. Morrison. The following committee was elect-ed:--Messrs H Siddell, S. Hughes, R. Strait e t T. Alexander, and AV. Stevenson. The committee elected Mr H. Siddell as chairman, and Air S. Hughes as sec-Thirty-fiv e householders attended and there were fourteen nominations to fill fi\e vacancies. MATARAWA The meeting of householders at Matarawa was presided over by Air ,1. Bourne. The following committee was elected:—Alessrs Al. Al artin, J. Bolton, R. Rowan, AV. Hartwell, J. Bourne. The committee elected Mr J. Bourne as chairman and secretary. There was a record attendance. MOSSTON. There was a good attendance of about a dozen householders at the Mosston School, Air J. Bell presiding. The following committee was 'elected:—Air A. Barnes, Mr A. Pedley, Air E. Rowan, Air E. J. Britten and Mr H. Macneil. At the meeting of the committee Air H. Afacneil was elected chairman and secretary. makirikiri. The following committee was elected: Messrs W. E. Broderick, Shield, J. Farley, AV. T. Nexvsham and AV. R. Ford. The committee elected Air W. R. Ford as chairman, and Air AV. T. Neu sham as secretary. BULLS. The meeting of householders at Bulls was presided over by Air J. Campion. The following committee jvas elected: Alessrs C. H. Chorby, F. AV. Holland. V. Edhouse, Rev. White, J. Ellery, J. Campion, 8. Hodges. The committee elected Mr .T. Campion as chairman, and Air S. Hodges as secretary. There was an attendance of 24. TAWHERO The meeting of householders at Tawhero was presided over by Air G. Clark. The following committee was elected: •T. Healey, T. Russell, A. Guy, G. Treadgold, J. MacFarlane, P. Mailman, Mrs A. Ward. The committee elected Mr G. Clark as chairman, and Air AV. Healey as secretary. There were about 30 householders present*

EORDELL The meeting of householders at. Fordell was presided over by Air H. Johanson. The. following committee was elected: H. .Johanson, G. L. B. Whillans, J. Glasgoxv, Jnnr., A. E. Ely ger, E. J. Dickinson. The committee elected Air G. L. Whillans as chairman, and Air H. Johanson as secretary. MARTON JUNCTION The following committee was elected: Messrs A. J. Whale, P. Frederick, E. Frederick, A. R. - Lcdingham, W. Zander. The committee elected Mr H. C. Gronn as chairman, and Air W. P, Harper as secretary. KAITOKE. The meeting of householders at the Kaitoke. Schoolroom resulted in a good attendance, presided over by Air A. E. Garner. A vot.e' of appreciation was accorded Mr G. AVhalley for his service during the past 17 years as teacher at Kaitoke. The following committee was elected: Alessrs James Anderson, A. E. Garner, F. Hurst, A. P. Hughes and F. Pritchard. At a meeting of the committee Air A. E. Garner was elected chairman and Air F. Pritchard secretary. MARTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL At the annual meeting of householder#, to elect tho Alanon District High Behoof Committee there was a iarg e attendance, Air G. .V. Gregory presiding. liie headmaster, Air H. Leon Wilson, reported as follows: It is pleasing to be able to report another year of achievement and of continued scholastic successes in our school. The following is a summary of examination successes gained during the past year: {Scholarships.—Senior National Scholarship, two pupils gained these, and 1 believ e that this is the first time in the history of the school that one of these scholarships has been gained by one of our pupils. The successful candidates were Dorothy Pre.bbla and Olga Aleyer. An Alexander Scholarship of the value of £5O a year to be held for two years at the Wanganui Technical College wa s won by Kathleen Irving. Young Scholarships were won by Douglas Hawkins and Ruth Catherwood. Two pupils passed the Alatriculation examination and two gained partial passes in the accountancy preliminary examination. Six pupils gained loxver lea\ 7 ing certificates and 21 qualified fur senior free places. Five pupils passed the Public Service examination and four pupils passed the Junior Scholarship examination. One pupil also gained partial pass in the Teachers’ Certificate examination.

The AlcDonald Cup was won by Jack Nicoll, the Gould Cup by Johu Kerr, and the Klitscher Cup by James Ingle. Thirty-five pupils gained proficiency certificates, which was 84 per cunt, ci tht number presented. The secondary roll has increased to 96, and a fourth assistant has noxv been added to the staff. This addition to the staff will permit of the introduction of commercial subjects iulu the curriculum, and will supply a lung-felt want in the educational facilities of uur town. The Primary rull shows a further decline, owing entirely to the fact that families are leaving almost every week, and no fresh ones are coming to take their places. It nuw stands at 316. The staff remains much the same as it was last year, but I regret to mention that Aliss Giles found it necessary uu account of ill-health, to retire medically unfit. Aliss Giles is deserving of our deepest sympathy, since there can be no doubt that she caught the infection xvhich ultimately led to uer complete breakdown, in the discharge of her duties as a teacher. Iler place has been taken by Mrs Ball Guymer, from Rungotea. Owing to the fall in attendance, Aliss Farrelly was transfeired to Auckland. The attendance during last year xxas very much affected by sickness, it being one of the worst years for sickness. both in pupils and scholars, that I have ever experienced. The Central School library, now established tout years, continues to progress, and now comprises some four thousand volume*. Large as this number appears, it is still inadequate to serve the purposes which it might, and it is rather disappointing to note the small extent of the support accorded by parents. We feel sure that if parents would only realise what a saving would result to them from the existence of the library we would not have to complain of lark of support. In conclusion I wish to take the opportunity of publicly thanking the outgoing coinpiittee for their unfailing courtesy and sympathy, ami for their ready acceptance of any suggestions that I have made for the welfare of the pupils. It has been a most happy year in spite of the disabilities we have experienced, anil it is very largely due to the committee that teachers and scholars are so happy in their work. I therefore extend to them the heartfelt thanks of both children and staff for their services during the past year. The committee reported a balance at liie bank of £99 IDs fid. The report was adopted with acclamation. * The following committee was elected•. Alessrs E, Fletcher, IT. J. Fowler. W. Price, P. W. Reid, A. Strawbridge., G. C. Thomas and W. WinscombeThe committee elected Mr G. V. Brown as chairman and Mr R. J- WitIcy as secretary.