THE NAVY LEAGUE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 188, 11 August 1939, Page 10

THE NAVY LEAGUE

ANNUAL MEETING OE MARTON BRANCH The annual meeting of the Marton Branch of the Navy ueague was heia last evening in the Borough Council Charnbeis, Mr. F. Purnell presiding over Mesdames H. F. Arkwrignt (hon. sec.), and M. C. Fenwicke, Misses Willis and L, Cook, Messrs. T. Lowe, IL 11. Richardson, 11. F. Arkwright, H. F. Low, and F. J. Christensen. As a mark of respect to Hie memory of Mrs. Fullerton-Smith, a member who recently passed away, those pie sent stood in silence. Mis. Arkwright presented the following report and balance-sheet lor the year ending March 31, 1939, which staled that the membership of the Marton branch now stands al 109, all financial, an increase of 12. The school I membership stands at 132. The membership of the schools is as follows: | Nga Toa 69, Huntley 56, St. Stephens I 4, District High School 3. Moving the adoption of the report, the chairman referred to the great work of the British Navy in policing the high seas, and said that all should be more keen than ever in supporting the Navy League at the present critical time. The healthy state of the local membership was due almost entirely to the splendid enthusiasm of Mrs. Arkwright. Mr. Arkwright, discoursed interestingly on the comparative navy strengths at the present time, and in two years' time. He said the position from the Empire viewpoint was far from reassuring, and emphasised the need for concentration on the Dominion’s defences. The election of officers resulted as follows:-President, Mr. F. Purnell (re-elected); hon. secretary and treasurer, Mrs. H. F. Arkwright (re-elect-ed); vice-president, Mr. H. F. Arkwright; committee, Misses M. and L. Cook and Willis, Mrs. Fenwicke, Messrs. T. Low and Christensen; hon. auditor, Mr. R.ichardson. The secretary was requested to circularise to the schools particulars of this year’s Palmer Prize essay compel itions. Arrangements for the visit, to Marton of a public speaker, if possible the Commodore, Captain Horan, were left to an executive, which will also arrange with Mr. Darroch to visit the 1 schools. MARTON DISTRIC T HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Dr. R. A. Church presided al a meeting of the school committee on Tuesday evening. The Education Board advised that Mrs. F. T. Harper's services had been i withdrawn because she was required in a relieving position at the Marton 'Junction School. Miss Olive Shout had been appointed to till the vacancy. The headmaster reported that the weather conditions had had a very adverse effect on the attendance as the figures showed: Primary department, role 321; attendance, 282, per cent. 87.6; second department, roll 123; attendance 115; per cent. 93. It was decided to employ a fulltime janitor on the conditions set out by the sub-committee. Messrs. Wallace and Frederick were appointed a visiting committee for the month of August. It was reported that the recent fency dress ball had been a great suci cess, the profit being £9 in excels oi 1937. No ball was held last year because of the measles epidemic.