OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 4 September 1947, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE The monthly meeting of the Otaki State School Committee was held on Tuesday night. There were present: Messrs. H. Taylor (chairman) , W. A. Calwell, H. B. Edhouse, A. G. Kirkwood, A. Lumley, H. Nicolson, L. G. Gimblett "(secretary) and J. E. James (headmaster) . Apologies for absence were received from Messrs. N. Taylor and W. Wilson. A letter was read from Mr. M. Renner, stating that he had been transferred to Hunterville, and thanking the committee for consideration shown him at various times. His stay in Otaki, he added, had been very enjoyable. The chairman reported that members of the committee had met Mr. Seddon, chairman of the Wellington Education Board, and had discussed with him various matters of interest relative to the school, and had received a sympathetic hearing. It was agreed that the insurance cover on the pianos and radio at the school was low, and it was decided that it be increased. It was agreed to secure the price of wire netting, and if procurable erect some at the end of the tennis court. Plans of the proposed new class rooms were considered and regret expressed that they did not provide for more accommodation for the next few years, it being stated that the attendance was likely to largely increase. It was de&ided to meet the architect on his arrival at Otaki. Headmaster's Report The headmaster's report read (inter alia) as follows: "It is pleasing to report the careful attention being given to the buildings and grounds by Mr. Walsh. Some young trees presented by Mr. Meyers have been heeled in, to be planted when the fences are fixed. Thanks are due to Mr. Meyer for his dona1 tion. The board's workmen erected two conveniences at the lodge. Some timber was obtained for repairs to gates and shelves. "Mr. Davis, traffic inspector, has inspected the bicycles and practically 100 per cent. are roadworthy now. I seek the parents' co-opera-tion in the matter of keeping the children's machines in good condition. Some bicycles were in such a dilapidated state that they were a menance to users of the road. It has been decided to hold a day for the parents to witness the school at work on Tuesday, September 23, when parents are invited to attend at any time during that day. Metal has been spread in the 'cycle shed and along the wettest part of the back path. A space opposite the entrance gates has been levelled by the Borough Council. and it is hoped that safety lines wili he made there to ensure safer loading of the school buses." Visiting Committee's Report The visiting committee, Messrs. Edhouse and Nicolson, reported (inter alia) as follows: "We made an inspection of the school eTounds and buildings, and found the former, thanks to the capable caretaker, Mr. Les. Walsh, in first class condition, but it was noticeable that the hedge facing the main road was dying, the result,evidently, of a grub. The end of the tennis court should be fenced off with netting, thus preventing tennis balls from going out of bounds. The memorial fountain was inspected and cracks noticeable, while it is suggested that the names of old pupils who paid the supreme sacrifice in the last war should be inscribed with those now on the fountain. It is suggested that a price be secured for the work.