OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 3 October 1946, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

REPORT OF THE.VISITING COMMITTEE The monthly meeting of the Otaki State School Committee was held last night, when the following report was read from the visiting committee, Messrs. H. B. Edhouse and H. Nicolson: "We visited the school on August 21 and made an inspection of the grounds, schoolhouse and sheds. We are sorry to see that the front hedge is dying, and admit that it is difficult to know what to do, as we understand that parts will keep dying out as time goes on. For the present we cannot recommend anything but the replanting of the vacant spaces. There are patches in the playground in front of the school that need attention. This is a matter that has been mentioned on several occasions. We recommend that such places be turfed. "We also consider that the names of the men, who as boys attended the school and later took part in the war, some of whom have now passed away, should be inscribed on a slab, similar to those already on the bubble-fountain. We understand that it' would cost a considerable sum, but the cost might be overcome by a bottle drive. "We recommend the purchase of a rain gauge for the school, which would form part of the education of the children. "We inspected the playing area at the back of the school, and greatly regret that funds will not allow making it into a fine football field and cricket ground, but we think improvement might be effected by turfing some of the worst places. Soil would be available from the banks adjacent to the school, as well as from the vicinity of the school residence. On the occasion of our visit the ground was in a bad condition and absolutely unfit for sport. The new gardcn at the rear of the school residence was found to be in a rough state, which was to be expected as the ground had only recently Teceived attention. When levelled the ground should be quite acceptable "as a garden plot. Fruit trees and the hedge of lupins promise ^vell, but on two sides at least a fence is nccessary, and we suggest that the committee give this matter consideration. "We regret, like others, that nothing fresh has developed in connection with the swimming baths, but we hope the matter. will not be lost sight of. » "We were shown over the school residence by the headmaster (Mr. James), and regret to report that work carried out by the board's larpenter is not of the best, parts being patchy; boards that should have been taken out have been left in and bad timber has been used for repairs. Even the gate is very unsatisfactory, being swung on a rotten post. Paint is also lacking. [t is not too much to suggest that ,he board be asked to keep in view ;he erection of a new residence. The piles of the present one are dable, in our opinion, to collapse; in fact the house appears to have a decided cant. The borer is very evident, and regret is expressed chat many well-eaten boards were o/llowed to remain in the building. A down-pipe is the means of Jiverting water from the roof, and .he overflow simply goes under the house, causing a stagnant smell as well as being liable to further rot piles and flooring. An entrance should also be made leading to the residence. Anyone at present entertng has to wade through long grass, which makes the place unsightly ilso. "We suggest that our representaive on the board, Mr. D. K. Guy, be asked to visit the school, and when he does that members of the committee accompany him round the grounds and buildings. We feel iure that when he visits the school he will have useful representations fco rnake to the board. He could see fche overcrowding of class-rooms, and the manner in which work has been carried out at the school and school residence. "We wish to thank Mr. James and his staff for courtesy extended to us on the occasion of our visit." Headmaster's Report The headmaster (Mr. James) reported that the number on the roll at September 30 was 210 boys and 192 girls, a total of 402. The j weekly roll totals to date have been i 406, 403 and 401, and the school | would be graded on the month's ! average roll number. The average attendance had been 83 per cent. Although the general attendance was not good, the health of the children was very good at present. "A survey of the milk in schools supply," continued the report, "shows that this school took 386 bottles .or 84 per cent. of the roll number on the day chosen. Tennis and cricket are now being played for general sport. A new net, bats, balls and a pair of pick handles, the last mentioiggd . for practice only, are needed. "Mr. Miller commenced duties after the term opened. The lawns and hedges have been kept trimmed by the boys and present a tidy appearance. The board's superintendent of works, Mr. Phillips, was at the school on September 20. One of the heaters required attention, which Mr. Sharp gave. The spouting around the infant J room is leaking badly and causing

puddles to form in the broken asphalt. "Entries have come in very well for the Horowhen.ua Boys' and Gii-ls' Agricultural Club's competitions; a general meeting of delegates will be held in Levin on October 7. The usual monthly meeting of the Home and School Association takes place on October 3. "It has been decided to hold this year's flower show on November 28. Donations towards the prize fund are solicited. A small supply of handwork and other material has been received from the board. The plot . recently prepared for the school gardens this season is now well under cultivation, and although the gate at the rear of ithe residence is locked each night there is still a possibility that stock ! will damage the unfenced plot."