OTAKI SCHOOL MATTERS

Chronicle (Levin), 7 August 1947, Page 2

OTAKI SCHOOL MATTERS

— ■ ■ 1 MEETING OF COMMITTEF The monthly meeting of the , Otaki State School Committee was held o:n Tuesday night, when there were present: Messrs. H. Taylor (chairman) , N. Taylor, W. Wilson, H. B. Edhouse, W. A. Calweh,. H. Calwell, H. Nicolson, A. G. R-irt~ wood, L. G. Gimblett (secretary) and J. E. James (headmaster) . _ An apology for absence was received from Mr. A. Lumley. It was reported that the ground at the rear of the school had been inspected with a view to improvement, but that nothing had been done, several members bemg unable to be in attendance. Mr. Kirkwood, however, has oftered several loads of soil for topdressing, an offer which was accepted with thanks. Mr. Silverwood reported that he had inspected the electric docks at the school, and hau found them greatly out of order, with parts being much the worse for wear. ir was state d by the Wellington Education Board that only one clock would be donated by that body, and that if other time-pieces were desired the committee would have to pay from its grant. This was considered unreasonable. It was ultimately decided to write to Mr. J Potts, of Tauranga, who had installed the docks, and ascertam if they could be put in order. It was resolved to write and thank Mr. Silverwood for his trouble. The board wrote stating that it was not in a position to secure the use of the Native School for the accommodation of children from the main school to relieve overcrowding. The board agreed to provide extra conveniences at the Masonic Hall. The committee expressed regret that the board had done nothing in the matter of swimming baths. It was decided - that Messrs. Taylor, Gimblett, Kirkwood and Edhouse be a deputatio:n to wait on the board at its next meeting on August 19, endeavour to get the board to secure the use of the Native College, and discuss the swimming" baths question and other matters of interest to the school. Attention was drawn to the fact that school children offended against the traffic regulations despite the instruction given in road safety. It was pointed out that frequently three were seen riding abreast, or riding on the wrong side of the road. It was considered that parents should. do more in teaching their children the right and wrong of road traffic regulations, the school teachers and traffic officers having done their best. It was stated that Mr. Burt, Otaki Railway, had offered metal for footpath formation opposite the school gates to alleviate the • risk the children underwent when boarding the school bus. It was decided to thank Mr. Burt, and to ask ihe Otaki Borough Council, tlirough Mr. Gimblett, to give the proposed footpath formation consideration. Messrs. Edhouse and Nicolson were appointed as visiting members for the month. Ileadmaster's Report The headmaster gave the following report: "Messrs. Stubbs and Robinson, the Education Board's inspectors, visited the school during the month, Messrs. Silverwood and Keenan, of the Automobile Association (Wellington), visited the school on July 25 to give road safety instruction to the children. They also inspected the bicycles and gave advice regarding the requirements of same. There is great :need for children to understand the rules of the road, and parents' co-operation will assist the authorities to keep the district free from accidents. The local traffic inspector, Mr. Davis, is of considerable help in these matters. "The music festival held on July 23 was a great success, a crowded house greeting the children with enthusiasm. As for last year it has been arranged to take the senior children to Wellington to see some of the industrial concerns, the trin to take place on August 20. The Wellington Junior Chamber of Commerce is rnaking the arrangements a'nd it is our intention to travel per bus. Three boys, Sydney Snowden, Marire Taipua and Lauchlan Fox, have been selected for the Horowhenua, representatives to play rn the annual tournament at Masterton. "The school grounds and gardens have been kept in excellent condition, and the flower beds are beginning to show that very good attention has been paid them. Now that the boys' gardens are being . sown a move should be made to have the fences erected. An authority for the special fence was received some time ago. At the next meeting of the Home and School Association, to be held this Thursday, a questionaire will be discu§sed. Mr. Hunt, child welfare

"officer from Palmerston North, addressed the meeting for July." The committee received the report. The chairman added his praise to those responsible for Ihe music festival. Mr. Les. Walsh was complimented on his care of the school grounds and the three boys selected for the football representatives congratulated. The visiting committee, Messrs. H. Taylor and Wilson, reported as follows: "The caretaker is carrying out the work to the school property in a very gratifying manner. There appears to be plenty of wood and coke to keep the fires going until the end of September if necessary. The convenience promised by the Education Board for the use of the children attending at the Masonic Hall has not been erected, and we would suggest that the board be written to pointing out the urgency of the matter. The boundary fences surrou'nding the school grounds are in a very deplorable condition. We would recommend, if it is possible to obtain cyclone netting, that it would be a permanent -improvement to have the fence put back ;at the back of Ihe •tennis court adjacent to the school. "We think the time has come to pres-s the Education Board to send the architect to 'select a suitabie site in the . school ground for the learners' swimming pool. Failing a •visit from this gentleman, we suggest taking a deputation to the next board meeting. The main building at the school is showing signs of wear and needs painting."