OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 5 December 1946, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE , The monthly meeting of the Otaki Siate School Committee was held on Tuesday night, Mr. H. Taylor presiding. There were also present: Messrs. Gimbletc, Wilson, Edhouse, Limiley, Walsh, N. Taylor, NicolsOn and James (headmaster) . It was reported that Mr. D. K. Guy, Horowhenua representative 011 the Wellington Education Board, iiad recently visited Otaki and had oeen .made conversant with the needs of the school, • notably the swimming baths , and lack of accommodation. Mr. Guy, it was stated, had offered to do his best in the matter, and later had notified that the board was sympathetic to the requirements of the school. It was deemed advisable to ask Mr. Guy to submit a report on the doings of the board as far as the Otaki School was concerned. It was stated that the shortage of concrete had been made the excuse for the non-erection of the baths, but it was pointed out that less important works were being carried out. It was considered that facilities for teaching children to swim were badly needed, especially in view of recent fatalities. It was also decided to ask the M.P. for the district, wheh finallyelected, to support the matter. Donations from the Commercial Association and Market Gardeners' Association for the calf club competitions and flower show were acknowledged with thanks. It was reported that both had been very successful, and a great deal of

credit was due to Mr. James and his staff for the amount of energy put into the projects. A letter was read from Mr. W. K. Berry, tendering his resignation on ■ account of leaving the district, as a , member of the committee. It was ! decided to write to Mr. Berry, i ■ thanking him for his fine services. , It was stated that it was probable that at some future date Mr. Berry would again take up residence in Otaki. It was resolved to ask Mr. W. Calwell to fill the vacancy on the commictee, it being recognised that he had given exceilent service in the past. It was reported that as a result of' the flower show there was a credit balance, due largely to donations from the general public, many of whom had evinced keen intercst in what was considered an exceilent display of flowers and vegetables. As the meeting was the last for the year, the chairman made culogistic reference to the work during the year of the headmaster and his staff. The compliment was acknowledged by Mr. James. It was agreed to make arrangemcnts to secure names for the roll of honour, these" to be erected at the school. . Mr. James made reference to the breaking-up ceremony, and advocated three parties among the children, It being impossible to hold all in oue function 011 account of lack of hall accommodation. In connection with the expense involved it was hoped that parents would assist. It was suggested that a picnic be held, probably in February, at a seaside resort to be arranged. . Mr. James, on behalf of the staff and himself, tendered the season's grcctings to the committee. Tliese were reciprocated, and Mr. Taylor again paid high tribute to the work of the staff. His remarks were endorsed by others.