SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18929, 26 April 1933, Page 10

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

HAMILTON WEST. A PROGRESSIVE YEAR. . IMPROVEMENTS TO GROUNDS. A year of steady progress in all departments was reviewed at the annual meeting of householders at the Hamilton West School on Monday evening. There was an attendance of about 40, the chairman of the school committee, Mr A. M. Bisley, presiding. In his report the chairman stated that the total expenditure by the committee on ground improvements, repairs, improvements to building, erection of two punga open-air school rooms or summer houses, construction of new tennis courts, tarring and sanding, storm-water drainage construction, probably constituted a record in the history of the school. Mr Bisley expressed his appreciation to his fellow members for the valuable work they had carried hut, to the members of the Home and Schools Association and to* other parents who had been ever ready to assist in raising funds for every worthy object. Among the activities pursued in raising funds were a fancy dress ball, which was a great success and gave a nett profit of approximately £25; a picture benefit, held at the end of 1932 by courtesy of the Civic Theatre; arid a fete, on the occasion of the opening of the new school grounds and steps. The opening of the new playing grounds took place on December 3 when a large gathering of parents and friends, ex-pupils, teachers and exteachers assembled. The day of opening also marked the jubilee of the school. The headmaster, Mr Hall again Invited the parents to visit the school on Parents’ Day when many took the opportunity o'f seeing for themselves Jhe condition of the school, the actual teaching of the children and the class of work accomplished. . A member of the staff had been detailed to teach the children at the hospital each morning; this additional activity enabled the school to retain each afternoon the services of a teacher who would otherwise have been retrenched. Proposed Works. The work of the school continued at its usual excellent standard, added Mr Bisley. In the December examination 100 per cent of proficiency passes was obtained. The efficiency of the staff was also reflected in the inspector’s report. Within the next few weeks the work on the main playing area would be completed. The levelling of this ground, construction of steps, terraces, drainage, etc., had taken over two years to effect. The work to be done on the infants’ playing area had received the consideration of the committee. It was suggested •that the incoming committee make application to the Unemployment Board for labour to carry on that work. It was also suggested that the matter of excavation for baths, using the spoil excavated for the purpose of filling in the gully at the South side of the playing field, was a worthy object for their consideration. Two tennis courts could be made on this area.

At the primary -school swimming sports the school gained -several successes. The -opening of the new playing field had enabled the boys to improve -their -cricket and the girls, their basket ball. In April last the school roll -stood at 434; owing to the exclusion of the five-year-olds the roll now -stands at 375. Unless the roil increased there was a danger of losing some of -the senior members of the staff. Next term children who would be 6 years -old before the -end >of the second term would be admitted at -the -beginning of the second term. The committee was earnestly hoping for an Improvement in the roll number next term.

MELVILLE SCHOOL. Owing to the exclusion of the five-year-olds there had been a slight fall in the roll of Melville school also; the teaching staff remained with two •lady assistants under Mr Hall. The school buildings had been maintained in first-class -condition by the committee and the grounds had been further improved by the Melville subcommittee. , The .condition of the grounds and buildings was very satisfactory. The Melville sub-committee on October 29 conducted a successful gala day; a profit of over £3O was shown, which had 'greatly assisted recent improvements. Mr Bisley drew attention to the •complete harmony which existed between the representatives of both •schools. Concluding, he expressed appreciation of the services of the secretary and treasurer, Mr Hendry; Mr de Lacey, who had acted as timekeeper and works supervisor, and of .Air Hall and his staff. Headmaster’s Report. In his report the headmaster (Mr J II. G. Hall), stated that there had been few staff changes. The school lost the services of Miss McKenzie, infant mistress, who was replaced by Miss Fugle. Miss Angland left on exchange for London and was replaced by Miss Butler, from London. Miss Fairlmrst, an exchange teacher from London, was temporarily relieving. Mr Hall expressed appreciation of the work of No. 5 scheme men in connection with the extensive grounds improvements. Children were now assured of ample and healthy playing space. Though it was not the school’s policy to stress the competitive side of school sport, yet Hamilton West had held ils own on the sports field. Owing to the exclusion of five-year-old children (lie school roil had dropped by 71. Concluding, Mr Hall thanked members -of tire school committee for their efforts during the year and paid a warm tribute to the loyally and earnestness of his staff. He also thanked the •Home and School Association for its co-operation and support. The reports were adopted. The financial statement showed a credit balance of £4 15s 7d. expen-

diture amounted to- £IB2B. The capitation allowance was £l9O Os. There were ten nominations for iho nine seats on the school committee, tiie following being cheeked:—Mesdames lb E. Wheeler and F. .1. Holloway, and Messrs A. M. Bisley, R. A. G. liendry, A. E. de Lacey, N T . ,1. Ihfcdcn. L. C. Vickers, A. G. Duff and T. G. Kingston. Mr Kingston is the only new member. A resolution of appreciation of the services of .Mr D. G. Cook, for his services on the committee was carried. Minimum Entry Age. Protests at the action of the Education Department in refusing live-year-old children admittance to primary schools were contained in a eir-

oular from the Auckland Primary School Committees’ Association.

A resolution was passed urging the Government to re-instate five-year-old children in the primary schools on the grounds of the complete disorganisation resulting from their exclusion and also in the interests of the children themselves. A vote of thanks was passed to* the Waikato Times for Its assistance toypublicity during the year. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman and Mr Bisley-was re-elected chairman of the committee.

WHITIORA SCHOOL. SUCCESSFUL YEAR EXPERIENCED. OVER 500 ON ROLL. There was only a small attendance of householders at -the annual meeting at the Whitiora School on Monday night. The chairman of the school committee, Mr Garrick Nlsbet, presided. In the course of bis review o'f the past year the headmaster, Mr P. W. Hare,” mentioned that children who turned six years during a term were permitted to start school at the commencement of that term. As a result ■of the alteration in the school entrance age the roll had dropped by about 70. The average attendance was now 510.

“The committee is proud of again being able to record a year of progress,” said Mr Nlsbet, in his report. “For a great many years schools and individuals have relied too- much upon Government assistance. We are satisfied however, that the time has arrived when we must work for everything needed, and the school and committee which adopt this attitude will attain premier position, and feel also a certain amount o’f self reliance and independence. "We have been aDle to assist the department in maintaining the fences and buildings. The grounds and garden plots and lawns- have been well maintained and 'have proved a source of pride to the pupils and those who visit the school.

“In order to* keep up the standarol -of efficiency necessary in a school such as ours, a certain amount of ■extras are required, and for this reason a fete was held, and the proceeds are to be spent on ground Improvements, the purchase of additional matter for the library and for any sporting requisites necessary. A portion of the proceeds was direotly subscribed towards the purchase of instruments for a school fife and drum band. Drums and music would make a very essential factor in a large school to engender further pride of school; and also to; assist in the drilling and marching. Sohool Baths Popular.

“The attendance of subscribers to the school baths after school hours, and particularly the financial assistance given has enabled the committee to give the pupils free access to* the baths during school hours, and a great deal of labour In teaching pupils to swim is to be placed to the credit of the headmaster and his staff, in matters which are not actually part of their duties, such as .swimming, coaching in football, cricket, tennis, basket ball, etc. Without their assistance our school would not be ■ able to maintain its place In the front rank of school sports. “The Old Pupils’ Association 'have again had the use of the school tennis courts, but the club has not been as large this year. “We are very fortunate in Whitiora, in being able to always secure the ■support and co-operation of a very willing and enthusiastic band .of ladles who take great pride in giving every assistance at any social function. At the end of last year’s football season, these ladies with the lady teachers gave the members of the football teams a social evening which was thoroughly enjoyed, and greatly appreciated by all who attended.

“Our school is greatly indebted to the Waikato Times. Whenever assistance, which could be given by publicity, was desired, the Waikato Times has always greatly 'helped the committee. “The committee has always been fortunate in being able to secure assistance from the Herbert Smith Trust for practically all phases of school sports. The assistance 1 from this quarter should and is proving a great benefit to the pupils.

Work of the Staff. "It is with great pleasure the committee again recorded appreciation of the services of the headmaster, Mr Hare, and his staff, for their assistance to the committee whenever necessity arose, and wherever the interests of the pupils were concerned. The cooperation of the headmaster and his staff combined with the appreciation of the pupils and parents, had made the work of the committee a year of pleasure. With succeeding years of co-operative efforts, Whiliora School will always maintain an exceedingly high standard. It is also a pleasure to record the valued assistance of the treasurer and secretary, whose efficient work has greatly assisted the committee.” The report was adopted.

As Hie number of nominations required for the committee was not exceeded, there was no election, and the following were declared as members:—.Messrs D. G. Street, W. F. Choat, M. A. Gall, A. G. Downes, F. Johnston, A. C. Farquhar, J. W. Nicholas, E. L. Whineray, Carrick Nisbcl. Mr Nisbet was re-elected chairman, Mr Whineray, treasurer, and Mr Street secretary.

It-was decided to take steps to establish a drum and fife hand at the school.

FOREST LAKE AFFAIRS. A YEAR OF PROGRESS. INTEREST IN TIIE SCHOOL. There was an attendance of over thirty at the annual householders’ meeting at Forest Lake School on Monday night, Mr R. McCaw, chairman of the school committee, presiding. On behalf of the outgoing committee Mr McCaw thanked Die parents and others for their support during the past year. The committee had not had a busy year, their activities being mainly confined to keeping the school and grounds in order, and forming two tennis courts.

The report of the committee mention or Lliat a new copper electric

water heater had been installed at -the school, while electric lighting had been provided for the new part of the buildings. Although the roll was slightly lower ■on account of -the raising of the school entrance age, -the capitation money received from the Education Board was the same as last year, and this enabled the committee tc keep all parts of the school and grounds in good order. Appreciation of the parents’ support of the dental clinic’s service, as evidenced by the increase In the number of children receiving attention, was expressed. During the winter -months the children were given hot cocoa at mid-day. The report concluded with thanks to the householders of the district for their assistance and support in various directions, and to the headmaster and staff for the results achieved in examinations and on the field of .sport. School Year Reviewed. “During the past year -the Forest Lake School made steady progress,” said the headmaster, Mr E. T. Robinson, In reviewing the year. The -school work in general has been kept up to as high a standard as possible, but handwork subjects, owing to lack of supplies due t® the Government economical measures, have suffered somewhat in amount 'if not in quality. During the year there were several changes in staff. Miss Coulter, relieving assistant, was with jus for the first term, her place being taken in the second and third terms by Miss Gray. “The increased attendance up -to 1932 brought the .school from grade 4B to grade 4C, and entitled the school to another assistant. Miss Clarke was appointed, hut. after the second term, was removed because of the fall in -average attendance, due in part -to the exclusion of the five-year olds, the ■school grade falling -to grade 4B again. “During the second term, our assistant master, Mr Laird, was promoted to a position at Piopio, and after an •interval of some weeks, during which -the position was temporarily filled by Mr Gillespie, -the position was taken by Mr Talde, from Matiere. "The usual school activities have been held and pupils and staff have helped as far a-s possible to share in all work for the good of the school. “The work of the committee in supplying a new heater for the making of cocoa and in generally looking after -the wants of the school is -much appreciated. “I believe the efforts of the children, ■staff and committee, together with- a healthy interest shown by the parents, have helped to improve the environment of the school, which is reflected in the work and general tone of -the ■school Itself.” The statement of aocounts disclosed a healthy financial position, and, with the reports, was adopted. Committee Appointed. The election of the school committee for the ensuing year resulted; —Mesdames M. Stewart, M. McDonald, Messrs R. McCaw, F. W. Sanders, G. T. Watkins, A. Pardington, J. Graham. At a meeting of the -committee later In trie -evening Mr McCaw was re-elect-ed chairman and Mr Sanders secretary. There was brief discussion On the question of holding a school picnic in addition to ' the annual sports meeting. The meeting favoured the proposal, and it -was left to the committee for consideration.

FAIRFIELD. raising of school age. STRONG PROTEST ENTERED. Mr A. A. Woodward was re-elected chairman and Mr H. Fisher secretary arid treasurer of the Fairfield School Committee at the annual meeting of householders. The meeting was of the opinion that the raising of the school age had proved a retrograde step and that the saving effetced was infinitesimal compared with the disadvantages under which the younger children are now submitted. The following motion was carried: —“That this meeting wishes to again strongly protest at the action of the Department in raising the admittance age from five years to six, and, in the light of the universal dissatisfaction regarding this move of the Department, trusts that the matter will be re-considered, allowing the admittance of the five-year-olds, at a time when it is so necessary for them to be under tiie supervision of efficient teachers.” FRANKTON. \ ______ Little interest was taken hi the annual meeting of householders at the Frankton School on Monday evening as no election was necessary. Me R. P. Kilham presided The reports of the chairman (already published) and headmaster (Mr A. S. Cliffe) were adopted. Eulogistic reference was made to the work during the year of the headmaster and statf and the chairman and secretary of the school committee. The appointment of chairman of the committee was deferred pending a full attendance of members.

Headmaster’s Report. In his report the headmaster said the roll for 1933 was 485 and in March, 1933, it had dropped by 60 largely as a result of the exclusion of five-year-olds and tiie movement of families in search of work. Mr A. L. Baker replaced Mr W. Rewa on Hic staff and Misses M. Morrison and A. M. Wilson were appointed temporarily as probationary assistants. Sport activities had been well maintained. In football the school won the Choat Cup and in cricket it was level with Wh I flora at the head of the competition. Other sports had received good support. In athletics the champion boy of the Waikato, G. Borland!, was a Frankton pupil and Shirley Ingley was girl champion under 11. Social activities had been well catered for and the grounds were in excellent order. The thanks of the school were due to Iho Parents Association for providing various amenities. The following resolution was carried: “In tiie opinion of 111 is meeting tiie exclusion of healthy live-year-old children from Stale schools will have a clerlhnental effect upon tiie educational prospects of the children, is unfair to sacrifice these litlle ones because of a temporary financial difficulty, and that much harm is possible through Hie lack of proper discipline, skill and supervision at Hie various kindergartens which have sprung up. We therefore strongly urge 111 c Government to consider I lie child before an economy measure that will in ail probability fail lo‘ effect Hie saving for which Hie measure was introduced.”

HILLCREST. Mr E. M. Masters presided at the annual meeting of the Hillcrest School on Monday evening. A report of his address was published on -Monday. Mr Masters announced that owing to numerous other commitments he would not be seeking re-election to the committee. General regret was expressed at his decision, and he was accorded a vole of thanks for his services to the school. The following committee was elected; —Messrs H. Edgecumbe, chairman, A. H. Davies, W. J. McMicken, J. V. Turner and W. Mawson, secretary and treasurer. These were the only nominations. MATANGI. At the annual meeting -of Matangi householders the headmaster, Mr Larsen, reported that the exclusion of the five-year-old children was responsible for a fall in numbers on the roll, but the average attendance was well above that required to maintain the present staff. The following committee was elected :■ —-Messrs; W. Trownson (chairman), W. Tomlinson (secretary and treasurer), H. Taylor, P. Ilinton, T. Shaw, I. Robinson and J. McDowell. The chairman’s report mentioned that the buildings had been kept In repair. A tender for painting the school had been accepted and the work would soon be put in band. The tennis courts had "been in great demand during the season and the pleasure and profit the children -got from this was well worth the money expended. The committee had to* thank the promoters of the old-time dances, held last winter, for the donation of £2 its, which had been expended on tennis balls and sports material. Cocoa had been supplied to the children during the winter months. Permission had been granted for the holding of Bible reading in the school and -the Rev. D. H. Hay, Presbyterian, and Rev. Mr Dawson, Anglican, now held regular meetings. In conclusion the chairman thanked the teachers for their conscientious conduct tow’ards the school during the year, and the committee for their support. CAMBRIDGE. At the annual meeting of Cambridge householders the retiring chairman, Mr A. N. Macky, presided. The report stated that grants had further decreased as a result of the diminishing roll numbers. The lessened subsidies from the Department had resulted in a heavier bearing on ■the sports funds of the school. The committee had taken advantage of unemployed labour -during the year and marked improvements had been effected in the -school grounds at the secondary -department. The acting-secretary, Mr W. -R. Garrard, reported that the general account -opened with a credit of £42 10s and closed with a credit of £ ; l9 19s 6d. The school’s special account commenced with a credit of £4O 4s lOd and concluded with £ll 2s 9d.

The iqtroductlon of the Nelson system of Bible reading in sohools was discussed. The Rev. A. G. McLean and the Rev. Jas. Richards explained the provisions of the system. A resolution was passed that it will be a recommendation to the incoming committee that a referendum of the householders be taken.

The following committee was elected:—Messrs W. R. Garrard, H. E. Amyes, W. E. Westlake, H. Webb, S. N. Ziman, W. J. Smellie, V. G. Boulton. W. Lane, 11. C. Oaten. - Air W. Moore asked if it were the intention to teach a commercial course at the high school in the ourrent school year. The chairman said that if they could raise their average to 91, the grading would go up to the extent of earning a fourth teacher and the inclusion of a full commercial course.

The meeting decided to request the Department to re-introduce the commercial course at the secondary department. It was decided to support a letter from the Auckland Primary Schools’ Association requesting that a resolution .should be passed urging the Government to repeal the restriction against children five years old attending school.

Tributes were paid to the long and able service of the retiring chairman, Mr A. N. Macky.

At a later meeting of the commltee the following officers were elected:— Chairman, Mr S. N. Ziman; actingchairman, Mr W. R. Garrard; secretary, Air W. E. Westlake.

IN OTHER CENTRES. LEAMINGTON. At the Leamington householders’ meeting the following were re-elect-ed to the committee:—Messrs A. E. Peppercorn (chairman), G. MoCandlish (secretary-treasurer), G. A. Headifen, V. Looker, T. Forkett, T. H. llulme and D. Walker. •It was decided to enter a strong protest against the raising of the school age. MAUNGATAUTARI NO. 1. At the Maungatautari Nc. 1 Sohool the following committee was eleoted: —Alessrs J. A. Wallace (chairman), E. Nickle (secretary), D. W. Arlell, G. H. Vo.sper and W. 11. Hicks. . GLEN MABBEY. At the Glen Alassey •householders’ annual meeting the balance-sheet disclosed a small cash balance. Owing to the exclusion of .the 'flve-year-old children the school had lost the services of one assistant and a resolution was carried protesting against this exclusion. A resolution expressing appreciation of the good work done by the outgoing committee was carried by acclamation. The election of a committee resulted in the return of Mesdames s. Fowler, J* Bowen Messrs J'. R. Brown, A. Fowler and G. Smith. Air J. R. Brown was later elected chairman and Mrs J. Bowen, secretary.

ROTO-O-RANGI. At Roto-orangi, the committee elected was:—Alessrs R. A. Alartin (chairman), A. Bertelsen (secretary), D. husso, G. Russo and H. Campin. MAUNGATAUTARI NO. 2. Owing to insufficient householder; being present at the Maungatautari No. 2 meeting, no committee was elected. WHITEHALL. The following committee was elected: —Alessrs J. W. Jeans (chairman and secretary), W. G. Hulse, C. J. Alackie, F. J. Hodgson and G. Scholes. HAUTAPU. At the Hautapu householders’ meeting the following committee was elected. —Alessrs J. Dunning (chairman), J. H. Bradstreet (secretary), G. Alills, W. O’Neill and G. A. Watt. GOODWOOD. The Goodwood school committee was elected as follows: —Alessrs R. Wattam (chairman), F. Swayne (secretary), R. Rowe, J. 'O’Keefe, R. L. Swayne. KARAPIRO. The following committee was elected at Karapiro:—Alessrs R. Newcombe (chairman), P. Keeley (secretary), R. 11. Finn, T. Bruce and C. Fletcher. TE MIRO. At Te Miro the following committee was elected: —Alessrs H. P. Hewitt (chairman), A. S. Gray (secretary), I. D. Woodroffe, N. Keyte, J. H. S. Bamforth.