OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 8 October 1947, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE The monthly meetihg of the' Otaki State Schobl Committee was held on Tuesday night, Mr. Harold Taylor presiding. There ,.were also present Messfs. N. Taylor, Kirkwood, Nicolson, Gimblett (secretary) and James (headmaster) . Apologies were received • from Pylessrs. Calwell, Lumley, Edhouse and Wilson. • A letter was received from Mr. J. Potts relative to the electric docks, at the school, and which for some time had been unsatisfactory. Mr. Potts suggested that if they were forwarded he would give them attention. It was decided that the docks be forwarded for inspection. The Wellington Education Board wrote stating that the architect, when next in the district, would contact the committee on neeessary work to be carried out in regard to the proposed additional rooms.. It was also statgd that the painting of the school was under consideration. Nothmg could at the present be done in the construction of school baths, but the matter would not be overlooked. The question of a dental clinic building would have consideration as the contractor for State houses was in the district. A monumental mason wrote, in reply to a letter from the committee, giving a price for cleaning and lettering on the bubble fountain. It was considered that the price was too high. A further quote will therefore be obtained. Mr. C. E. Wiseley, secretary of the Horowhenua Agricultural Club, wrote suggesting that an associate judge be appointed to represent Otaki. This was referred to the Young Fanners' Club. Miss D. Crowley wrote stating that a marching team had been formed in Otaki, and asked for the use of the school grounds for practice purposes on Tuesday and Friday nights till the domain was in order. It was regretted by the committee that permission could not be given, as it would open the way for other bodies to make similar applications. It was decided to write to, the I Borough Council and thank that body for forming a footpath and thus helping towards the pedestrian crossing, and also to thank I the council for sand supplied for ; the sand pit. Messrs. Kirkwood and N. Taylor were appointed as a visiting committee for the month,^ Headmaster's Report The headmaster reported that the number on the roll at October 3 was 209 boys and 191 girls, a total of 400. The average attendance was 186 boys and 176 girls, a total of 362 or 90 per cent. Except for a few minor cases of common colds the health of the children was good. Miss B. Richards was at present on siek leave and Mrs. P. Gordon was relieving. "The Standard children attended the public reception to the Governor General, Sir Bemard Freyberg and Lady Freyberg. The holiday, granted by His Excellency was taken on Friday, September 19. Entries for the Horowhenua Agricultural Club competitions are as follows": Senior' calves 12, junior calves 5, gardens 9, lambs 4. Judging will take place in November. It has been suggested that a shop day be held early in November, Form 2 to organise the shop and the other classes to give an afternoon concert on the same day. "With splendid donations of foodstuffs and cash, it has been possible to pack and forward one case of canned goods for Britain. During this month an appeal is being made for packet foods, so that another case can.be sent. I appreciate the generous response to the appeal. The buildings and grounds have been kept in exeellent condition. The board requested that I estimate the roll for 1948, and I took a survey of probable entrants for 1948, 45 five-year-olds being listed. The roll will be approximately 407 in September, 1948. The council has nearly completed the^ section of footpath opposite the school for the purpose of putting a crossing there." The school traffic officer visited the school recently to discuss 'v the organisation of school patrols."