Aorangi State School

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 96, 29 January 1885, Page 2

Aorangi State School

The annual meeting of householders was held at the school room, Taonui, on Monday last for the reception of the balance sheet and annual report, and the election of a school committee for the ensuing year. The balance sheet, which showed a large quantity of work done about the school premises and grounds, by the sums expended for such purposes, was accepted as read without any discussion. The report stated that the committee were pleased to note that notwithstanding the opening of a new school at Upper Taonui (Mangaone), the number on the books had increased from 62 at the last annual meeting to 76 at present on the roll, with an increased average attendance of 10| or 10 57. The committee regretted that the Inspector's report was not so satisfactory as they could wish, but attributed it to the change of teachers, and as Mr Slipper had only had the school about eight months at the time of inspection, he could not be responsible for the unsatisfactory report. The committee desired to express their confidence in Mr Slipper, and to acknowledge that the school has much improved under him in regard to numbers, and that the interest he takes in his duties will no doubt afford a better report next year. The committee had pleasure in stating that Messrs Bailey Bros, have kindly given another acre of land as a boy's playground, the Inspector having reoommended the present play-ground to be divided. The committee think this very liberal gift of the above-named gentlemen will meet with the views ot the Inspector. During the year swings had been erected and the grounds well drained. The report was unanimously adopted. The following gentlemen were elected for the school committee : — Messrs W. L. Bailey, Walter Bailey, Nannestad, Sexton, Parkes, Curtis, and Picard. At a meeting of the newly • elected school committee afterwards, Mr W. L. Bailey was elected chairman and Mr E. Sexton secretary. On Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock Mr W. L. Bailey (chairman of school committee) and Mr Walter Bailey attended the school to distribute the prizes kindly given by the school committee to those who passed most successfully at the Inspector's examination in October last. Some special prizes were also given for good conduct, perseverance, neatness of home lessons, and good attendance, one of the latter being presented by the head teacher, Mr Slipper. At 1 o'clock tbe whole of the children reassembled and then marched down to the ground, singing, and with numerous flags flying. On arrival at their destination, Mr W. L. Bailey's paddock, various games were initiated for their amusement snch as cricket, rounders, running races, jumping, leaping, &c, &., in which all took a great interest. After having amused themselves for some time, they were invited to a splendid spread of all kinds of good things, laid out most invitingly in Mr Bailey's new hay-shed, to which the young people did ample justice. After they were fully satisfied, they resumed their games, and the parents and friends sat down and partook of refreshment, after which, among the elder children, a dance was got up. At half- past six a move was made forborne, every one being highly delighted with the afternoon's pleasure. The school committee are to be congratulated upon the success attending tbeir efforts to entertain the children, and the ample provisions made by the ladies of the district is beyond all praise. There could not have been far short of 200 persons present, as there must have been 80 or 90 children, and then there were their parents and many visitors, so tbat to provide so sumptuously for so many was no easy task, and yet the ladies of the district managed it and had plenty to spare. Many thanks are especially due to Mesdames W. L. Bailey, Walter Bailey, Picard, Wild bore, Curtis, Fisher, aud Miss Brady.

At the conclusion of the picnic the teacher, Mr Slipper called for cheers from the children for the ladies who had so kindly provided the good cheer for them, also for the school committee, and for Mr W. L. Bailey for his kindness in allowing the use of his paddock. A cheer for the teacher terminated this happy gathering.