OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 3 July 1946, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE The monthly meeting of the Otaki State School Committee was held last night, Mr. Harold Taylor presicung. T'here were also presmt Messrs. Walsh, Lumley, N. Tayior, Wiison, Edhouse, Berry, Nicolson, Gimblett (secretary) and Mr. James (headmaster) . It was reported that the volley ooard at the school, which was in a dangerous state, had been given attention by Messrs. Walsh and Lumley. Thanks were accorded these members for their work. It was stated that no reply had been received from the Wellington Education Board relative to the proposed baths, and it was agreed that the board should again be written to. The board wrote stating that a tender had been received for the proposed dental clinic, and that the committee would be further communicated with 011 the matter. It was stated that as the board's carpenter- was at present working at the school residence, it was iroped that he would give various matters necessary attention. j The Horowhenua Girls' and Boys Agricultural Club wrote asking for a donation to its funds, and forwarding its annual report and balance sheet. It was decided to donate £1 ls. The chairman and Mr. James will attend the meeting at Levin on Monday. It was reported that nothing had been finalised in connection with the ground for school gardens, a matter that is to have further attention. Mr. D. K. Guy, who is seekmg election as Horowhenua' area member on the Wellington Education Board to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Colonel McDonald, attended the meeting, and stated his views on various matters - of interest to the school. He said that he was a member of the Koputaroa School Committee, was a member of the Horowhenua County Council and various other organisations, adding that he had the welfare of schools at heart. He considered much more could be done by the board than it was now doing, but that he had no desire to make promises, stating that it was his desire to first get elected and then look from inside to without, and not from outside to the inside. He thought ' that a representative of the district should visit schools -twice yearly, and make reports. He ■favoured . an increase in the capitation allowance, and considered committees should have a greater voice in the selection of teachers. He thought that dental clinics could be improved, and transport made easier, especially now that benzine was more plentiful. He favoured telephones and wireless at jschools. as well as educational films. If favoured with election. he assured the committee that he would watch its interests, and also the interests of schools in general. Mr. Guy was thanked for attending and for placing his views before the committee. Messrs. H. Taylor and Wiison

were appointed visiting members for the month. Headmaster's Report The headmaster's report, which was adopted, was as follows-: — "At June 28 the number on the roll was 181 boys and 183 girls, a total of 364. The average attendance to that date was 158 boys and 154 girls, a total of 312 or 85 per cent. The health of the children appears to be very good at present, ahhough 1 a few cases of mumps have been : reported and two cases of chicken1 pox. "Mr. Hewitson is at present absent 011 sick le^ve. Some poplar trees at the back of the residence are shading a iieighbour's garage, and I have . been approached regarding the lopping of them. The half-yearly' survey has been completed in all classes. The usual monthly meeting of the Home and School Association will be held on , Thursday next at 7.30 p.m., taking ' the form of a questionnaire. I thank the committee for the two basket- . balls which have been supplied. I "Buildings, grounds, etc. : The jwork that Mr. Walsh has carried i out 011 the volley board and sandi pit is much appreciated. Some I timber is over from this job. The 1 board's carpenters are at present ' working on maintenance at the school and residence." I .