WORK OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23969, 9 June 1943, Page 5

WORK OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES

ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL MEETING “Never again should school committees become glorified beggars.” declared the retiring president, Mr F. S. Nome, of North Brighton, in an address to members, at the annual meeting of the Canterbury School Committees’ Association in Christchurch last evening. Before there was any revision of the Education Act he hoped that consideration would be given to the views of school committeemen. As such a revision was possible he suggested that remits should be prepared for the next Dominion conference, and first and foremost must come the question of finance. This was what prompted the speaker to make his reference to what he termed “glorified beggars.” “Adequate finance must be provided,” said Mr Norrie, “so that the work of the schools can be carried on satisfactorily. There is always plenty of finance for war and destruction. There should, and must be. money for work that is constructive. Nothing is more constructive than education, which fits the young folk for life, for on them depends the future of the nation.” The annual report disclosed that two new committees. Birdlings Flat and Bromley, had been affiliated with the association, Members commented upon the satisfactory state of the finances, and it was recommended that the new executive should consider the question of an investment in the Third Liberty War Loan. In all, reported the secretary (Mr A. Greenwood). 80 schools were now affiliated, and in the majority of cases all fees had been paid, “Once again the year closes with the association strong both in membership and in fellowship,” he said. “A co-operative body representing school committees has been, and will continue to be, the only positive avenue of approach to the controlling authorities.” The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr J. D. Gray; vice-presi-dents, Messrs W. T. Langley and F. H. Dephoff; secretary, Mr A. Greenwood; treasurer. Mr C. S. Thompson: auditor. Mr J. S. Barnett; executive. Messrs S Baird. S. H. Clothier. T. Nuttall, C. D. W. L. Sheppard. W. T. Tomlinson, and F, R. Purdom.