SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 227, 3 October 1901, Page 1

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The r monthly meeting of the School Committee was held last evening, when the following members were present:— Messrs Matthervs (Chairman), Hookey. Morgan, Brown, Graham, and Humphries, The Headmaster reported that influenza and scarlatina had played havoc with the attendance, and, though the roll number was now nearly 800, the average for the quarter just past was only 606. Among the teachers, Miss Balser had been away for a fortnight ill, Miss Cussen for a week and two days, and Mr Quigley for a fortnight from the same cause. Miss Balser and Miss Cussen had both returned to duty, but Mr Quigley was still unable to do so. On the 27th ult., a boy in Standard IV., was found to have a suspicious rash, As there had been scarlet fever in the family he had been sent home (though ho had, while illness was in the house, been staying in the country), and the room was well fumigated. The Headmaster had been informed that even if the rash had been that of scarlet fever there would be no danger of infection at that stage. The term examination of the secondary pupils concluded last week, and reports had been furnished to parents. On the 17th ult. Mr Buckington commenced the instruction of Standards IV., V. and VI. in singing in accordance with the permission granted by the committee. The material for which he (the headmaster) had applied for pecuniary aid had arrived. The amount of the account, which he enclosed, was j£B Os Id.

Two applications were received for the position of pupil teacher at the Gisborne school, and the committee decided to appoint Mr Harry Morgan on account of his superior qualifications, the applicant having matriculated. Whilst the applications were being considered, Mr Morgan asked leave to retire from the room, as he did not desire to take any part in the proceedings on account of his son being one of the applicants. A petition w>as received from a large number of residents of Whataupoko asking that the necessary steps should be taken to establish a side school in that district. Members were unanimously in favor of the proposal, and agreed to forward the petition to the Board. They asked that the petition should be returned to them so that they could get the approximate number of children likely to attend the school. A petition was also received from a number of residents of Taruhcru, asking that a school should be established in the district. The Committee could not deal with the application as it was outside the boundary of their jurisdiction. The Board of Education forwarded the sum of £2 10s to be devoted to the purpose of prizes. The Committee decided to give the money away during the summer months in connection with swimming contests.

In reference to the proposed change in schcol-books, it was decided that the scholars should go on with the books they were at present using for another year.