MATAMATA SCHOOLS.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17223, 5 October 1927, Page 9

MATAMATA SCHOOLS.

THE PRIMARY. IWEETIKG OF COftIKITTEE. At a meeting of the Matamata Primary School Committee Mr L. Flower presided. There were also present Rev. Hampton, Messrs J. Buchanan, W. E. Clover, T. E. McMillan, E. S. Jenkins, and T. S. Sloane (lion, secretary). An apology for absence was received from Mr E. C. Banks. The headmaster, Mr J. P. Wells, 8.A., was also present. The secretary reported that a hedge had been planted in front of the school, in place of the trees recently removed.

The Secretary Education Board notified that an increase of G per cent. on the year's allowance to school committees had been granted. The first extra payment would be made on October 31.—Received.

Iti reply to a letter of protest by the committee to Mr F. F. Ilookly, M.P., regarding the curtailment of the powers of education boards, the Parliamentarian wrote that no serious proposal had yet been made. However, the writer -would make a note of the committee's protest. The headmaster reported that the average roll was 25 i, average attendance 232, . and percentage of attendance 0:1.3.

An Inspector's report of a satisfactory nature was also read at the meeting.

The question of the school timefable under the summer time regulations was discussed, Mr Buchanan and other members heartily supported the measure.—lt was unanimously decided that the primary school adhere to the present timetable. The secretary was instructed to write to the Education Board pointing out some necessary repairs, etc., to the headmaster's residence.

Mr Buchanan brought up the matter of instituting a cricket association amongst the primary schools of the district.—The headmaster was requested to make enquiries and report in a fortnight's time to a special meeting of the committee. Mr McMillan said that £l7 had been collected and donated with the idea of establishing a playing area, with swings, etc., in the domain. The committee dealing with this fund would be meeting shortly, and the speaker suggested that the money could be best expended by the School Committee, if willing to accept it. lie would bring the idea forward at the meeting to be held.—lt was agreed that the committee undertake the expenditure if requested.

JUF43OR HIGH SCHOOL. ORDINARY MEETING. The usual meeting of the committee of the Matamata junior High School was held on Mouday. Mr E. C. Banks (Education Board) presided, and there were 'also present Messrs May (Te Poi), Flower (Matamata), Scclly (Hinuera), Rollett (Peria), Wdson (Waharoa), Robins (Turangamoana), and E. S. Jenkins I '(secretary). The headmaster, Mr .1. F. Wells, 8.A., was also in attendance. Apologies for absence were read from Messrs Mason (Taihoa) and Bruce (Okauiaj.

The architect, Education Board, notified that a tender had been accepted for the installation of heating and lighting points in the headmaster's and teachers' rooms. The chairman Okauia School Committee wrote expressing his committee's deep appreciation of the excellent results already attained at the Junior High School. The recent examinations have shown that, given the opportunity, the country pupils can well hold their own with the town children. The committee was also of the opinion that the establishment of the JJI.S. was most certainly a step in the right direction as far as education goes, and great credit is due to the teaching staff for the excellent progress already made. The JJI.S. committee was assured of hearty support from the Okauia body.—Received. A letter from Mr Baker, Pcria, enclosing an account for travelling allowances for his children, was left in the hands of the chairman and secretary to deal with.—Mr Robins stated, in connection with the above, that his committee is willing to hand over £25 towards transport expenses, provided that the permission of the Education Board is first obtained. —It was resolved that the offer be accepted. Referring to the financial position, Mr Banks requested that all chairmen of the country committees interview parents whose children attend the District High School and who are travelling on the buses, and ask them to pay £2 10s for each pupil towards the cost of transport. The headmaster was also requested to prepare a report on the absence of children from school from the beginning of the year, and present same at the next meeting.

The chairman stated that the committee lost lOd for every day a pupil was absent from school, and in cases where the absence was avoidable the parents should be asked to make up the deficiency. The new Daylight Saving legislation was discussed, and members were generally of the opinion that a difficult situation would arise when the measure was adopted.—lt was agreed that the school open daily at 9.30 (summer time), instead of 0 as at present, and that the Education Board be notified to that effect.

Mr Banks appealed for more support from committees and parents in flic matter of attendance at the .vjnual school sports meeting. The teachers worked hard and should receive more encouragement.

The headmaster reported that the average attendance for the quarter was 224. G, average roll 260, percentage of attendance 8G.3. The attendance had been exceptionally good considering the severe epidemic of measles just experienced. The inspectors expressed themselves as welt satisfied wft.n the progress being made. They seemed quite in sympathy with the aims of the school and fully realised thai the dilll- s< oulties were being gradually overcome. They commented on the good tone that prevailed throughout the school, and requested the headmaster to convey to the scholars their appreciation of their conduct at school and in the street. Mr Garrard (chief inspector) expressed the opinion that in two more years the Junior High , School would reach the zenith of its achievement. Mr A. L. Wallace, hon. secretary Rotorua Rugby Union, forwarded letter of appreciation of the play and behaviour of the High School football team when visiting Rotorua for •an intor--uniou match.