MATAMATA.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16152, 29 November 1924, Page 8

MATAMATA.

Plunket Society. The local committee of the Plunket Society met at Mrs Moore-Jones’ residence this week to bid farewell to Dr. and Mrs Muir, who are leaving for England. Dr. Muir has been a member of the atjvisory oommittee, and Mrs Muir a member of the ordinary committee since the inception of the branch. Their work and assistance has always been highly appreciated. All the membrs of the committee were present, accompanied by their husbands, also Sister Ferguson (Braeside) and Sister Lundon (public hospital). Nurse Underwood (Piunket) sent an apology for unavoidable absence. Mrs Moore-Jones (president), on hehalf of the society, presented Dr. Muir with an illuminated address and Mrs Muir with a card tray, suitably inscribed, wishing the recipients every prosperity and happiness. Dr. Muir responded, and the guests’ health was toasted with musical honours. Several interesting c Inpetitions were held, the winners being Sister Ferguson and Dr. Muir. Junior High School.

An important meeting was held on Thursday at the High School, consisting of chairmen of school committens from the following districts: Te Pol (Mr Wright), Taihoa (Mr West), Mat! (Mr Rollett), Turangamoana (Mr Moekridge), Hinuera (Mr Pond), Okauia (Mr Brookes), Waharoa (Mr Smith, vice Mr Barker), Matamata (Mr Lark). Mr E. C. Banks, local member Auckland Education Board, was also present. Mr Banks said that the board had appointed those present as a temporary committee, with himself as the board’s nominee. Mr Banks was elected chairman and Mr Lark secretary of the committee. The chairman called on each district representative to report on the result of the meetings held in their respective locality. The only dissentients to the scheme were the Okauia and Tiahoa residents, whose objections were not of a serious nature, chiefly referring to the difficulties of transport. Mr Lark (Matamata) assured the meeting of the townspeople’s support, especially in regard to finance. The Chamber of Commerce had undertaken to do all in their power and the Orphans’ Club had offered their services to assist in raising funds. All the other schools were wiling to accept the Ministers’ and board’s ofTer, as outlined during the Minister’s visit to the High School. Mr Wright (Te Pol), on behalf of his district, expressed his gratification at the energetic way the whole matter had been taken up by Matamata. Other speakers also endorsed Mr Wright’s remarks.

A discussion took place as to the best way of running the transport arrangements. Eventually it was resolved that tenders be called by the temporary committee for the whole of the transport, a schedule of routes to be drawn up. This means that local committees will not have to worry about transport finance. The whole subsidies will be received by the central committee, and any deficiencies will be met by a combined effort, consisting of a garden' party, fete, or some such function. A formal resolution accepting the Ministers’ and board's offer was then put to the meeting and carried unanituousli

A hearty vote of appreciation to Mr E. G. Banks for his work in organising the scheme concluded the meeting. Meeting at Okanle. In connection with the Junior high school project, & representative meeting of householders was held at the school on Thursday evening. Mr Brookes (chairman of the school committee) presided, and reported on thr, recent meting of chairmen of committees in Matamata, when the Minister for Education waß present, also Mr Canghley and Mr Dunlop. The chairman explained the working of the junior high school system and the benefits resulting therefrom. A discussion followed, several speakers stressing the fact that the establishment of a junior high school was desirable, not only from lhg town point of view, but also from the advantages gained to the children of the rural districts. Farming was developing more and more into a science and the teaching at the Junior high school would supply a long-felt want. Only one speaker opposed the scheme, the reason given being that the children's labour was required at home.

Eventually a resolution was passed that the meeting use their best endeavours to assist establishing a junior high sehool at Matamata. An amendment that the matter be deferred for 12 months lapsed for want of a seconder.

Arrangements for transport of the pupils were then- under discussion. The chairman stated that he had an offer of Is per head to convey the children to Matamata, a minimum number being stipulated. This charge was considered by the meeting to be very reasonable. The Department had offered Bd, and the board 2d per head towards the total cost, and the balance would have to be found by the parents or raised by some means. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting.