SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 89, 24 April 1901, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

MAKAURI SCHOOL. The following full report of the meeting at Makauri is to hand About fifty househoulders were present in tlie school-room on Monday night. Mr Somerville was voted to the chair. The report and balance-sheet were read. Mr McGregor considered the report a very unsatisfactory one, there being no children in tlie upper standards, but being almost a stranger in the district he would rather hear the opinion of those who had been there longer. It was, lie said, very evident to him there was something wrong somewhere, for children were going right by tlie school to Gisborne and .Matawhero. Mr Turnbull wanted anyone wlio had sent children to other schools to say why thev had done so.

■Several parents stated that their children were not getting on at all well, in

fact one stated that a child of his after passing Standard 11. in this school was put back to Standard 11. when removed to Matawhero. After considerable discussion Mr McGregor moved, and Mr Campbell seconded, and it was carried that the report and balance-sheet be adopted, although he considered it extremely unsatisfactory. Mr Turnbull then asked that the suggestion of the Inspector—to tliceli'ect that history and grammar be left out of tlie upper standards so that the upper standards may lie better taught—be discussed by tliis meeting.

At this point several objected. Mr McGregor said it would bring i down to a second-class school.

Mr Turnbull also agreed that no subjects should be left out. Mr Tiotjcn said lie did not see why tlie subjects should not ho taught. ICo accounted for the backward state of the scliool by the had attendance, and thought the children would receive a fair education if they attended regularly. Parents should lodge complaints with tlie school committees if they had any, and not do so lunch talking outside. Mr Turnbull moved, and Mr Smith seconded. ami it was carried, that no subjects lie left out of the syllabus. Mr McGregor moved a resolution to the effect that the teacher be asked to resign.

The motion was seconded bv Mr Camp, bell.

Itwa proposed tlmt the above resolution be put In ballot. Ail mm lidment that it be by voting was lost, and the original motion was balloted for, tlie result being that it was carried hv I I to ft.

The election of committee resulted : Mr McGregor, Mr 11. Smith, .Air \V. Turnbull, Mr ,1. Campbell, Mr T. Tictjon, Mr J. Graham. MrT. Kane. MrTlios. McGregor was afterwards elected chairman of tlie new connilillce. \Y A I’, I i K N G A - A-111KA SCHOOL. Tim following report of tlie Wncrcnga-a-hika Seinin'] Committee was presented last night:— Tlie Committee begs to report as follows : The only notable event of tlie year has been tiie increase of the average attendance to the extent which entitles us to the appointment of a pupil teacher. Hut there are some minor matters worthy of mention :

(n) Early in tlir ye.-ir it was decided to dll 1 for lenders for clearing the school mid premises, ami Mrs l’'it/.simmoos’ tender nt £22 per annum was accepted. This arrangement dates from May 7th. (b) In June the Cummiltee decided to cut down the front hedge, in consequence chiefly of the dampness of the girls' playground. Tor this Mr Walton’s tender at mis was accepted. Various other necessary alterations and repairs have been made in the school and on the premises, including tiro removal of a tank in 11 if other side of the school building, and the formation of a drain to carry away 11 if waste water from both tanks. The Chairman (Mr Miller) kindly gave the necessary pipes. It may he mentioned that, a stock of tirewood lias been left to the value of .62 2s. (el Application lias been made to the .education Hoard in aid of necessary objects, as follows : 1) Imr .Cls towards levelling, shingling, and draining the girls’ playground, cutting down the hedge, making a new entrance gate, and fixing a gutter on the master’s house. The grant was made, but as the application of it was not entrusted to the Committee no progress lias been effected in the important work of improving the playground, which they greatly regret. (■_!)’Tor a grant in aid of the Kindergarten instruction given in the school, mid for swimming prizes. Application for a set of models to teach model drawing was conceded. (8) Tor an increase in Mrs McClures’ salary owing to tlie increase in average attendance, it was understood that this was done, but tlie application was refused as not being in accordance with tlie regulations. It is hoped that no similar objection will be made to tlie appointment of a pupil teacher.

(d) Two concerts, with dances, have been given in aid of tlie funds of tho school. The first of these produced a nett sum of £7 ss, tho second £8 2s 3d. (c) Financial position : It appears from the balance-sheet that there was cm March i! Ist a credit balance of .£1 -is 7d. Since then all outstanding liabilities have been cleared off, with insignificant exceptions, and a balance remains to credit at this date of £2 16s Id.

(f) On tho 7th April, in the current school vear, Mr McClure having reported that the average attendance was now sufficient to warrant the appointment of a pupil teacher, it was decided to ask the Education Hoard to make an appointment. The committee found, however, that the time was too short to admit of their making the application themselves. They were, notwithstanding, able to take some preliminary stops by inviting applications for the post and ascertaining whether the candidates were eligible • as having fulfilled the conditions laid down bv the .Department. They are thus able to report provisionally that Sydney McClure. Kate Higgs, Mary Erkine, and Nettie lirooking arc candidates, and aro eligible. They have been unable to take further action, and must now commend this important matter to the immediate and earnest care of the incoming committee.

(g| Finally, the committee beg to lay on the table the excellent annual report, also the Inspector's report and the bal-ance-sheet for the year ending 23rd April. R. C. Miller, Chairman.