MATAWHERO SCHOOL.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 929, 30 June 1903, Page 3

MATAWHERO SCHOOL.

The monthly mooting of flic Mutavvhero School Committee was hold on Saturday evening, there being present : Messrs R. H. Image (Chairman), M. G, Nasmith, Bartram, Russell, T. O’Donnell,. T. Hav, and G. Brocklobank. CORRESPONDENCE.

A letter was received from tho Education Board, stating that tho matter of a teacher’s , residence would bo dealt with by tho Board at its next meeting. Tho Chairman stated that they know nothing of any matter in connection with the teacher's residence, and thought perhaps it referred to tho Makauri School, where they were advocating for a teacher’s residence. It was decided to forward the letter to tho Makauri Committee. Messrs Image, Nasmith and Bussell, were appointed to sign cheques. It was decided nob to nominate any momber for the Education Board election. HEADMASTER’S REPORT. Tho Headmaster (Mr Marshall) reported that the average attendance for tho past month had been about 95, bemg much better than for tho previous two months of tho quarter, though still far from good. The total number of those who had failed to make the statutory time was 50, and a list of the names wore furnished. This was a great improvement in tho attendance as compared with any other month sineo the beginning of this year. He need hardly say that satisfactory progress was impossible where such irregularity prevailed, and a wholesale break down might bo expected ft the annual examination. Me said that those who suffered most as the result of this irregularity were the „ 00 d attendors, for as the defaulters ro Turn, d progress was checked, and those who should go on were dis e-.urag.-d and baffled, while tho teacher’s time Was almost, wasted m trying to equalize the pupils aod render the class work possible. Referring to the attendance of pupns the Chairman stated that nearly all who had not pul in tiie required attendance had been sick from measles or whooping cough, also that a number of those mentioned were over the age. Mr Nasmith thought that the Head. I master should furuish a list of those who were absent without sufficient excuse, or better still to file all excuses so tho Committee could know tho reason oE the children’s absence. Mr Bartram considered it would be as well to advertise that the Committee would take action if the children were irregular. The Chairman said that an advertise men.t did no good ; it had been tried. Mr Nasmith suggested that a circular ho sent to the parents asking the reason of •he children’s absence, ana notifying them that the Committee would take action failing their attendance.

The Chairman said it was needless, as they knew already that the children had been sick. Other schools had closed down, but the Matawhero School had been kept open, and that was how the attendance had been affected. Mr Hay said he knew that some of the absentees were nob sick. Alter further discussion, the Chairman moved that the matter be left over till nest meeting, owing to the sickness m the school. This was seconded by Mr Hay. Mr Nasmith wished something definite to be done, lie did not believe in letting the matter drift on. If it were understood that the Committee would take action in future, the attendance would he bettet

The motion was carried, with the understanding that the Committee would take action at next meetmg ii' the attendances were still irregular.

QUARTER MONEY. In discussing the requirements mentioned by the Headmaster in Ids report the Chairman stated that thu finances re quired careful management. and they would have to do with a smaller stock of goods, which the Committee agreed to. The Chairman said tnequaiti r money was now coming in, bu; it would not near cover tho expenditure in tuaten il. which wan an expensive item. In reply to Mr Nasmith, the Chaitmn stated that tlioso above the third standard paid 6d and the other classes del. Mr Nasmith : Do the second aud third standard use lead pencils ? The Ciudvman : Yes. Mr Nasmith : Well, that is not right. They should he charged tho same as the upper standards. Mr Nasmith said that something should bo done. He thought that the quarter money should either be raised or abolished, and let the parents provide for tho children. Mr Brockicbank considered it best for the parents to provide the material for .the children, and it would 3ave the Committee in funds.

Tho Chairman pointed cut that the quarterage had already been collected, and they must provide the goods. Mr Hay thought tiro children would take more caro oi their pencils if they provided their own, knowing that they would bo punished if they lost them. After further discussion, in which the members expressed themselves favorable to the abolition of liic quarterage, it was decided to ic-ave tire matter in abeyance at present, as tho quarterage having been collected it was necessary to provide the goods. HONOR CARDS AND LISTS, In his report the Headmaster slated that his stock of honor cards required replenishing. In answer to a question the Chairman stated that honor cards were given to Iho pupil who was the best in the class during the week. Mr Nasmith thought that lists were preferable. A pupil looked upon a list with more pride than it oard. The system adopted in the Gisborne School should bo enforced—tho pupil who received the list would be fop of the class, and tho others would be arranged according to their position on tho list.

Mr Brockicbank agreed with this idea, and said his experience as a boy at school was that they strived to get top of tho class.

Tho Chairman quoted an instance to show how tho adoption of lists had made a number of boys work better.

Mr Bat tram also favored tho substitution of lists for honor cards.

Tho Chairman proposed, and Mr Russell seconded that lists be procured.—Carried.

HINA NCI

When accounts were passed for pay-

meat, amounting to .tin 15 s, tlie 'Chairman said il would leave a very small amount, in hand. The capitation of £9 and the quarterage would shortly he to hand, and would help them to carry on. JM r Nasmith suggested that a statement of their lunds should he presented at each meeting, so as to show clearly their financial position.

VISITING COMMITTEI-

Mr Nasmith said lie thought a Visiting. Committee should lie appointed, as such a committee would lighten the Chairman’s duties.

The Chairman stated that formerly they had such a committee. It was resolved to appoint Messrs Nasmith and Brockle.hunk as the Visiting Committee for the month. RENT OF SCHOOLROOM. The Chairman said he thought they might abolish f lie fee of one shilling charged for letting (lie school-100111 for religious purposes; that school was the only ..lie in the district that charged for such meet ings.

Mr O'Roiincll said that at 0111

time tiic charge was live, shillings. Affcr discussion jt was decided to let mailers remain as at present—one shilling being charged for rent, and I lie lessees providing their own lighting. PROPOSED SIDE SCHOOL.

Mr Bari ram I hough t something definite should lie done in regard ti the proposed school at the Willows. The Chairman said a tetter couh

'he written to the Board, stating that, the settlers at the Willow; wanted a side school for infants. Mr Bart ram considered that that would not bind the committee, and would act as a feeler.

Mr Nasmith was of opinion the Board would not build a school, owing to lack of funds. The Gisborne School had been overcrowded for a

long time, before the Mangapapa School was built, to relieve the congestion. : M r Bart ram said he had had an interview on the subject with Mr Carroll. who had undertaken to approach the Minister of Education on the matter with the view of voting funds if necessary. Mr Nasmith said another point to consider was that the attendance was just sullieient for three teachers at the Mata.wliero School. If a new school were built as an adjunct, the number of pupils would increase, thougn not, .sullieient to appoint, another teacher, while the- main school would he coniined to two teachers, which would he prejudicial.

Air Russell said that if that were the case the proposal for a side school would collapse. After fun her discussion, it was resolved 10 notify the Education Board that owing to the increase in the number of children, on the Willows J-.'state. the settlers desired the erection of a side school. ENTERTAINMENT.

Mr Hay brought- up the question of an entertainment to provide funds, and, alter favorable discussion, it was resolved that a committee, consisting of Alcssrs Hay. Nasmith, and Brocklebank, be appointed to consider the best form of entertainment, and report at cent meeting.