TIME NOT OPPORTUNE TO FORM SCHOOL COMMITTEES’ ASSN.

Wanganui Chronicle, 20 July 1950, Page 2

TIME NOT OPPORTUNE TO FORM SCHOOL COMMITTEES’ ASSN.

An outline of the objects of th* School Committees’ Association of New Zealand was given by Mr. E. A. Rowe, Rongotea, chairman of the Manawatu-Oroua Association, at a meeting of the Marton D.strct High School committee this week. Mr. Rowe who is a member ot the Dominion Federation, is endeavouring to form new associations in areas where they are at present non-exist-ent, or alternatively to interest school committees in affiliating with nearby associations. After Mr. Rowe had addressed the meetng, it was the unanimous opinion of the committee that there were not enough schools in the Marton area to form an Association in Marton, but efforts should be made to join the Wanganui organisation. There were at present 21 associations in New Zealand said Mr. Rowe, and the nearest to Marton were the Manawatu-Oroua and the Wanganui assocations. The Manawatu-Oroua Association really took in the North and South Wards of the Wanganui Education Board and there were 60 odd schools in this territory of which 45 were affiliated 'to the association. From inquiries he had made the Wanganui Association came as far as Turakina and took in 24 schools. In pointing out that schools in the Hunterville and Marton areas were not linked with any association, Mr. Rowe said it was his aim to enrol more country schools in the organisation extending from Marton to the King Country. The associations brought the country and town committees together and the federation at its annual conference was able to deal with remits submitted by various associations. These remits, if adopted, were then forward to the Government for action. This association formed a channel through which various problems could be taken up with the Government. Unity was strength and the federation had been able to bring about several improvements in the educational system. The Minister of Education recognised the wonderful work being accomplished by the association. Quoting from the constitution of the Manawatu-Oroua Association, Mr. Rowe said it was a nonparty organisation whose object* were the consideration of all questions affecting or relating to the school* of the district, and the consideration of all matters pertaining to the operation and advancement of the national aystem of education. In answer to a question , Mr. Row* said he believed there were no set boundaries governing the affiliation of committees wth an association. Marton could either affiliate with Wanganui or Manawatu-Oroua. It would be his recommendation, however, that Marton be the centre of a new association. i After it had been pointed out that there would be only about 12 schools to call upon to join in the formation of an association the view was expressed that the time was not opportune to proceed with the formation, and Marton would be better served by seeking affiliation with either Wanganui or Manawatu-Oroua. BASKETBALL COMPETITION DIVIDED INTO TWO GRADES. Basketball fixtures for this week enter into the second round of the competition, when the eight teams will be divided into two grades. This arrangement will necessitate only three more club matches, in place of seven if all teams played in one grade. Teams in the A section are: Marton, Athletic A, M.D.H.S. (No. 1), and St. Andrew's, while the remaining four teams —M.p.H.S. Nos. 2 and 3, Turakina and Athletic B will contest the B grade. Satuday’s fixtures are:— A grade: M.D.H.S. (No 1) v Marton at 2 p.m. (Miss D. Heidrich). Athletic v St. Andrew's, at 3 p.m. (Mrs L. Winn). B grade. Turakina v M.D.H.S. (No 3) at 2.15 p.m. (Mrs. D. Parkinson); M.D.H.S. No. 2) v Athletic B at 3 p.m. (Miss J. Wigglesworth). Primary school competition fixtures for Saturday to be played at 1-15 p.m. are:—M.D.H.S. (No. 2) V M.D.H.S. (No. 3); Junction (No. 1) v Junction (No. 2); M.D.H.S. (No 1) v St. Stephen’s. PERSONAL. Mr. E. V. Calkin was elected president of the Marton Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club at the annual meeting on Tuesday nght. Mr. A- S. Blackledge did not seek re-election. Mr. F. Purnell, a former Mayor of Marton, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Marton Plunket Society, was congratulated at the recent annual meeting of the society, on the M.D.E. award bestowed on him in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Mr. C. A. Pilgrim was a visitor to Marton this week to make arrangements for the visit on August 15 of the New Zealand Blind Institute's band and variety concert party. While in Marton the party will be billeted at private homes. CIVIC THEATRE MATINEES. The manager of the Marton Civic Theatre, Mr. G. Hogan, advised last evening that for the convenience of country patrons it had been decided to commence the Friday matinees in future a quarter of an hour earlier. Commencing from tomorrow th* matinees will commence at the usual 1.45 p.m. but the Satuday and Tuesday mitetes will commence at the usual 2 p.m. ATHLETIC CLUB ELECTS TWO NEW MEMBERS In recognition of the services rendered to the Marton Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club over a long period of years, Mr. Guy Thomson and Mr. A. M. Smart were elected life members at the annual meeting oi the club on Tuesday night. It was stated that Mr. Smart had been associated with the club for some 27 years as a secretary and handicapper, while Mr. Thomson had also been a staunch and loyal committeeman for many years and had carried out the duties of handicapper for field events. The only othei- life member of the club is Mr. C. W. Stafford. Opportunity is to be taken at • later date to present life membership badges to the two new members.