OPHIR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 876, 31 January 1879, Page 3

OPHIR.

—o The meeting of householders in accordance with tlie E ucation Act for the purpose of electing a School Committee for the year was Del 1 in Blacks School House on Monday th-s 27th instant. Mr C. F. Johnson was voted to the Chair, who, after stating the object of the meeting said the first thing was to hear the Report of the retiring Committee. Mr Alexander, Chairman and Treasurer, then read the following Report and Balancesheet. Mr Chairman and Gentlemen :—ln submitting to yon the customary report of a retiring Committee, our task on this occa-| sion is indeed a pleasant one—a marked improvement on all matters connected with the School having been the result of the year. First ;—As to financial matters wo start- | cl the year, after allowing for cash in hand an 1 all contributions promised, with a clear debt of L 37 7s 5 1, the whole of which has now been cleared off, and what is more to the credit of the district this amount has been gathered one way or another from amongst our neighbors and ourselves. Not one penny would the Education Board give towards it. The building as it now stau's has not one shilling of debt on it, with the exception of the sum of L 363 61 for erecting and part purchase of the hell, a claim for which has been sent in to the Education Board, along with a requisition to finish the building by erecting spouting, a tank, some new desks, stove, &0., which requisition was assented to by the Board some months hack, and an Inspector of Works was sent up to report ; he agreed with us that our requisition was required, and promised to recommend it, but strange to say we have had no intimation—good or bad—respecting it since. We have no hesitation in saying it is a matter of congratulation for the district to have this commodious room built and paid for as a School, even though tbe same has been a tidy strain on our pockets. Had it been delayed another year, our experience of the Education Board’s proceedings now, would give little hope of any such building being erected, at least without some extraordinary pressure being brought to bear. There has been considerable improvement in tbe shape of attendance especially’dniing the last quarter, hut we are s-nry to see that the attendance is far from regular, for out of a roll of 47 the average daily attendance is only 31—parents and guardians should see to this matter, for without regular attendance fast progress cannot be expected—onr former teacher, Mr Rix, resigned his charge about the end of his second quarter, and the Board, on the recommendation of the Committee appointed Mr Simpson, who we are glad to say has given ns every satisfaction since his appointment. No Insp ctor having visited the School since his appointment we are not in a position to state as to the progress of the Scholars. hut we are confident that they will rank fairly hi that respect. In last report it was recommended to ns to endeavor to provide pr’zes for competition amongst the scholars, we are sorry to state that having had our hands an full we jxave been unable.to accomplish the matter,

but as the next Committee will not have the burden on them we have had, we trust that they will see their way to provide for this want, ns we believe such would prove a great stimulant to progress. This and a firm injunction to give the Education Board no rest until the requisition named above has been granted is the only legacy we have to leave to our successors. In conclusion we beg to return our sincere thanks to all who have so well supported us by their contributions and otherwise. The following is the Balance Sheet Receipts. 1878. Jany. 1. Balance in hand £lO 0s 4d Entertainment Local Amateurs, and Subscriptions previous y ly promised 11 11 C Entertainment Alexandra Dramatic Club 18 13 C Gift Auction and Ball 27 17 C School rents 4 4 6 Allowance from Board 16 0 C £BB 5 1C Expenditure. By amount paid on balance of contract and extras connected therewith £SB 5 C Coals, cleaning, repairs, stationeiy, <fec., 17 5 f Advertizing and other expenses of entertainments 12 14 6 Balance 1 £BB 5 1C Liabilities. Erecting bell £2 4 C Balance of purchase 1 2 C £3 6 I The Chairman then read the Clauses o the Act referring to the election of Commit tees, and on arranging for the election ter out of eleven eligible persons present, including the old Committee refused to act Mr Alexander said that though he had beei three years a member, and hail alway taken an active part he would again stanc for election sooner than give up their powe to a Commissioner of the Board. If wi took no interest in the education of onr owi children, it was not to he expected that an; such nominee would, and besides paying fo his services would absorb what little mone; was at the disposal of the Committee fron the Board—he urged them to reconside their decision. He was twitted by a mom her whojlu I spok-in’m ist strong’y again* being re-elected, saying there was no nfor Committees, but for begging—tbei power was nominal, and so on, Xc., air he being agreeable to stand was only cause' by the hope of his being appointed Commit sioner: Mr Alexander letaliated sayin the hoot be on the other leg, as hj 1 was still willing to give his services as | committee-man. I The meeting then terminated! nr ‘ Elcc j tioa taking place.