SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 115, 13 October 1874, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

ANNUAL MEETINGS. CHRISTCHURCH WEST. The annual meeting of the ratepayers of this district was held in the schoolroom, Lincoln road, last evening. There was not a large attendance. On the motion of Mr Harris, seconded by Mr Sandstein, Mr F. G. Hawley took the chair, and in doing so, briefly stated the business of the meeting. Some discussion took place as to the propriety of adjourning, but no resolution was proposed, Mr H. J. Tancred, the chairman of the retiring committee, then read the annual report as follows : “It is my duty, under the terms of the Education Ordinance, to lay before this meeting on behalf of the committee a report of the proceedings of the past year ; and in doing so it may be desirable, for the better understanding of the position of the district, that I should not confine myself rigidly to the exact term of one year, but that I should include in the report some reference to the action of the committee during the period which elapsed from the proclamation of the district till the election of the committee now in existence.

The committee have,in the first place, to lay before you the condition of the district as regards educational appliances at the time when the new system was inaugurated.

“ The first point which the committee had to determine was the number of children of a school age in the district ; and in order to do this, a careful census was undertaken. From that census it appeared that there were about 2000 children under the age of 13, of which about 1200 might be considered as having either actually attained, or as being very nearly of a school age. Of thes ra 120 it was ascertained that only about 850 were attending school, and that consequently additional accommodation was required for about 350. The first thing the committee did was to endeavor to make arrangements with the authorities of existing schools for the use of the buildings in their charge, But with this assistance there was still a want of room, and the committee were compelled, with the sanction of the Board of Education, to rent temporarily additional buildings. “In the meantime the committee took steps for establishing one large school on the Lincoln road (the site of the former high school), which was intended to absorb all the temporary schools in that portion of ; he district. This new school has now been opened, and accommodates 668 children. This school has been divided into three separate departments. The elder boys’ school, the girls’school, and the jounger children. Extra classes have been established for the instruction in French and drawing, requiring the payment of an extra fee. The only other school in the district is known as the * Durham street school,’ in which 395 children arc now under instruction. Thus the whole number of children attending the schools in the district during the last quarter was 1063. The school known as the Durham street school—formerly the Wesleyan schoolroom—is now being still carried on under temporary arrangements with the authorities of the Wesleyan church. Eventually it is proposed that the Normal school, when completed, should be occupied for the purposes of the northern portion of the district. The committee desire to bring under the notice of the ratepayers the fact that the space available in the last-mentioned school is now barely sufficient for the number of children, and it is a matter for consideration whether efforts should not be made to obtain the use of another building in the neighbourhood with a view of relieving the present building and so rendering it less crowded. It will be seen from the report of the Inspector of Schools, as well as from the representations

made by the master, that it is a matter of absolute necessity that the number of attendants should be reduced. “ The committee have received a communication from the Board requiring the payment by the district of the sum of £2OOO on account of school buildings, being one-sixth of the amount expended for that purpose. “ The amount so fixed was, however, not the actual sum expended, but an estimate of the sum required on the completion of the buildings available for the purposes of the district.

“According to this calculation £12,000 was the sura to be expended for the benefit of the West Christchurch schools. That is to say, £7OOO for the Lincoln road school and £SOOO for the portion of the Normal school building available for West Christchurch.

“ Of this total of £12,000 so estimated the committee were required, under the provision of the Ordinance, to pay one-sixth or £2OOO.

“ On the representation made by the committee that they could have secured accommodation equal to that afforded by the Normal school buildings at a less cost than that, estimated, the Board consented to reduce the contribution by the district one-sixth of £ISOO.

“With regard to the terms on which the teaching staff has been engaged, the committee have arrived at the conclusion that the ordinary scale for the remuneration of teachers, as prescribed by tbe regulations of the Board, is unsuitable in the case of the schools under their charge, and they have accordingly, with the sanction of the Board, established a different system. “ In the greater number of schools in the province, the teachers receive remuneration according to tbe number of children in attendance.

“The committee were of opinion that, in the large schools under their direction, this plan would prove unsatisfactory to all parties, and they adopted the alternative allowed by the regulations, in the case of schools at which there is a large attendance, and settled the salaries of the teachers at a fixed rate per annum. “ The committee believe that they hand over the schools to the incoming committee, properly organised for the work to be performed. The first difficulties of inaugurating the new system have been overcome, and it may be hoped that effective teaching may now be carried on at a moderate cost.

“The committee lay before this meeting the accounts for the past year, as required by the Ordinance.

“ It has been impossible within the limits of this report to advert in detail to every action taken by the committee. Their proceedings have been, moreover, regularly recorded in the public papers. If there is any point upon which this meeting requires special information, the members of the committee present will be happy to afford it.” Statement of accounts showed receipts to be—Grants, £IBO2 3s 6d ; rates, £970 18s 3d; fees, incidental receipts, &c, £73 11s lid; total, £2847 14s Bd. Expenditure—Salaries, £1483 3s Id: -ent, &c, £252 9s 4d; books, £B7 9s; school furniture, £77 Is lid; incidental expenses, £149 7s 9d; building account, £173 12s; balance, £624 11s 7d; total, £2847 14s8d. Mr Nairn moved that the report be adopted. Mr Allison seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr Nairn then moved, “ That this meeting, considering the paucity of the attendance of householders in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, does not deem it expedient to proceed to the election of the committee, and requests the Board of Education to appoint another day at as early a date as possible for such election.”

Mr Tancred read the 29th section of the Education Act, which was to the effect that when ever the householders of any district shall refuse or neglect to elect a school committee, the Superintendent shall appoint a commissioner for the district, who shall hold office till next October. Some discussion then followed, when Mr Tancred rose to explain that ho had quoted the wrong section of the Act, the 29th referring to districts which had been proclaimed for the first time. It was the 32nd section which referred to the present case. According to it, if from any cause the householders fail to elect a committee or auditors the Board may fix another day for the election, Mr Watt seconded Mr Nairn’s motion. Rev Charles Fraser moved— “ That the meeting now proceed with the election of the committee.” Mr Sandstein seconded the mot on. Mr Fraser’s amendment was put to the meeting and declared carried. The following gentlemen were then proposed and seconded as members of the committee : —Messrs H. J, Tancred, D. Craig, W. Harris. G. Thornton, A. McNie, M. Sandstein, J. Gr, Hawkes, D. Nairn, D. Bowie, Lusk, K. England, F. G. Hawley, and Rev U. Fraser,

Mr Fraser stated that he consented to be nominated in order that if there were any dissatisfaction on the part of any present with the result of the meeting they might demand a poll. A show of hands was taken, when the following were declared duly elected. Messrs A McNie, D. Craig, W. Harris, G. Thornton, H J. Tancred. J. G Hawkes, M. Sandstein, L). Bowie, and D. Nairn. Messrs H E. Alport and T. B. Craig were re-' lected auditors. Votes of thanks to the retiring committee and the chairman brought the meeting to a close. EAST CHRISTCHURCH. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, there were but very few householders present at the Oddfellows’ Hallat the time appointed for electing a school committee for the ensuiugyear. Mr H. Wynn Williams having taken the chair at 7.30, Mr Mitchell moved, and Mr Ness seconded, a resolution to the effect “ That the election of members of the committee be not proceeded with to-night.” This resolution was carried by a majority of 9, the numbers being—for the resolution, 14 ; against the resolution, 5. The proceedings then terminated.

COLOMBO ROAD. Tlie annual meeting of this district was held last evening, about thirty ratepayers being present. Mr F. C. Hall occupied the chair. The annual report was read «s follows: “The third annual report of the Colombo road district school committee. “Your committee beg to report that on Friday, the 12th December last, the -distribu* tion of prizes to th® value of £l3 12s toslc

place, and on the following day the scholars had a treat at an expense of £l9 19s 2d, making together £32 lls 2d, which includes £7 10s allowed by the Board. “ From the returns it appears that the average attendance for the quarter ending 31st December was 296, 31st March last was 341, 30th June last was 338, 30th September last was 306; that the best week’s average for last quarter was 355, and that there are 628 scholars on the books taught by two masters, three mistresses, and six pupil tc&chcrSi “ The following is an extract from Mr Restell’s report of his examination of the school on the 2nd ultimo; — “ * First-class boys—2s —The programme of this class is above the average of first-class work in district and borough scholars have been carefully and judiciously taught, with unusual success. “ ‘ Second-class boys —24, —The work of this class is equal to that of the first-class of district schools in general. “ ‘ Third class boys—43.—This class and the one above are taught by the second master, assisted by a pupil-teacher. The arrangement is judicious, the progress generally satisfactory.’ , . . , «The remark ‘ satisfactory is against all the other classes in the school, and the inspector also reports, ‘ the ordinary attendance exceeds the accommodation by nearly 100.’ * * * . . * . * “ Your committee hope the district will consider the above report satisfactory, more especially as the school is so crowded that classes are taught in an adjoining building, and also when the weather permits, in the open air. «• Your committee have not received one formal complaint during the year. “ Your committee are quite satisfied with the way in which the teachers have done their work, comparing the results with the want of space, and hereby thank them on the part of the district. “ Your committee are under a great obligation to the first and second masters for teaching French and Latin after school hours, free of charge to the pupils. “ Your committee recommend their successors to take into consideration the question of increase of salaries to the teachers, and to protest against any difference being made between Colombo road school and borough schools. “ The Provincial Government scholarship examinations took place again this year at your school, when nine Colombo road scholars competed—a larger number than from anp other district or borough school—one gained a scholarship, and the others took very creditable places. “Your school was honored by a visit from his Excellency Governor Fergusson, who expressed to your committee his great satisfaction at the appearance and behavior of the scholars.

“ The purchase of the site for the master’s house has been completed, and the house built at an expense of £455 15s. No steps could be taken for enlarging the school till the last Provincial Council had voted a further sum of money for that purpose, but the work is now being proceeded with, the amount of the contract being £1925. “Your committee must conclude this report by expressing their thanks to the Board of Education for their attention during the year, and to the Heathcote Road Board for keeping the road to the school in such good repair.

“ Signed for ocal committee, “ F. C. Hall, “ Chairman.”

The Auditors report that the examination of the accounts showed balance of last year’s rate account in hand to be £6l 12s Id ; grants for maintainance, £9lO 2s ; rates and school fees, £343 7s; refund of deposit for land, £5 ; total, £1320 Is Id. The expenditure to be—Salaries, £BBB 8s 8d ; repairs, £ls 12s 6d ; books, £7 12s ; incidental, £l4l 17s ; rate collector, £l7 6d ; total, £IO7O 16s 2d. Leaving a balance in band, of £249 4s lid. Balance from last year’s subscription account, £8 7s 3d ; receipts, £l9 8s ; total £27 15a 3d. Expenditure, £lO 15s 7d; leaving a balance in baud of £l6 19s Bd. The report and accounts were adopted, and a vote of thanks to the retiring committee and auditors carried.

The following gentlemen were then nominated as members of committee, viz: Messrs Hall, Allison, Lockwood, Rowley, Yennall, Olliver, Cole, Saddler, Lambert, Airey, Andrew, Walker, and Newmann. A jvote was [taken, and the first nine declared duly elected. Messrs J. Johnston and Hare were elected auditors. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.

At a meeting of the new committee, held afterwards, Mr F, C. Hall was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year.

HILLSBOROUGH AND OPAWA.

The annual meeting of this district took place last night. The Chairman read the following report, as follows: —

“ In accordance with the provisions of the Education Ordinance, the committee has to submit the following report of the attendance at, and other matters concerning the school and district for the past year. “ The subjoined comparative returns for 1872-73, and 1873-74, viz, : “Quarter ending 31st December, 1873. Average daily attendance, 60 ; No, on books, 71.

“ Quarter ending 31st March, 1874. Average daily attendance, 53 ; No, on books, 74. “ Quarter ending 30th June, 1874, Average daily attendance, 48 No. on books, 71. “ Quarter ending 30th September, 1874. Average daily attendance, 48 ; No. on books, 79,

“ Average daily attendance for the year, 60; average daily attendance for 1873, 40; increased attendance for 1874, 10 ; the last quarter's attendance stands 48 ; attendance for same period, 1873, 36 ; increased attendance, 12. The number of children on the books for September was, 79 ; the largest recent attendance, 69. “This satisfactory result is, no doubt, owing in a great measure to the zeal, assiduity, and competency of the master, Mr Souter, and suggests the necessity that will shortly, if it does not already exist, of enlarging the present schoolroom, its space being calculated for fifty-four children only, so that besides inconvenience other evils will ere long arise, as during the coming summer months the attendance will probably increase and cause the room to be still more crowded. At a meeting of the committee held on the 6th inst, it was moved by Mr Aynsley, and seconded by Mr Duncan, “ That the , committee earnestly press upon foe consideration of their successors the

necessity of enlarging the present schoolroom.’ The attendance for the week ending the 9th having reached an average of 63 further endorses the justness of the above resolution. The changes in the teaching staff of female assistants have been three during the year—Miss Duncan as sewing mistress being succeeded by Miss Bennetts as assistant mistress, and the latter being replaced by Miss Sandferd as assistant mistress, also with a certificate. There have been two examinations held by the sub-inspector, Mr Hammond, and one visit paid by Mr Restell, the reports consequent upon each being satisfactory. The first and ' largest item of expenditure (sanctioned by the late committee, but finished shortly after the beginning of Urn present financial school year) was tint cost of verandah to the master’s house, viz, £2O 12s. The second improvement was the placing of register stove in the parlor of the master’s house. The third outlay, the substitution of a register for an open grate in the schoolroom, with a view of preventing the annoyance of smoke descending in south-west weather, but the desired end has not been thereby attained. The committee has much pleasure in stating that in consequence of a resolution passed by it on the sth May last (in accordance with section 62 of Education Ordinance) —‘That one afternoon in each week be appointed for religious instruction,’ forty—nearly two-thirds of the children—are entered on the Rev G. J. Cholmondeley’s list for attendance in his class every Friday afternoon ; the past attendance, however, cannot be taken as a likely average for the year, owing to its having been through the months of the winter ; but there is sufficient evidence for thinking that the parents appreciate the action taken by the committee in this matter. On the 4th September your chairman, having received an official intimation from the Provincial Auditor of his wish to audit the accounts, and thereby to supersede to some extent the duties of the district school auditor, waited upon Mr Ollivier, and by appointment the school accounts were submitted to him on the 10th, and passed and signed by him as correct, the balance to the credit of the committee being £34 4s 9d, Mr Hassal, district school auditor, having been informed of the above, declined to make a second audit, and suggests that the amounts certified as above be sent in to the Board of Education. About a month ago the committee was informed that the acxe allotment whereon the school premises stand is wrongly laid out, and that as surveyed by Mr Pavitt, about a quarter of a chain wide on the southern boundary is a portion of a road reserved there ; inquiries have been made to test the question, but, as yet, without any satisfactory result.” Owing to the small attendance the further business before the meeting was postponed, LOWER HEATHCOTE. The annual meeting of this district was held last evening, Mr Davis in the chair. The chairman in opening the proceedings, thought it would be found that the district had just cause to be satisfied with the progress made during the past year, but there was yet much for them to do. He then referred at some length to the importance of giving to the rising generation the very best education in their power. He called attention to the necessity of greater regularity of attendance on the part of the children, and uraed on the parents the duty of seeing to this. The number on the roll of the school is 258, the average attendance 148; last Jure it was 232, and the average 168. He then read the report as follows; — “In accordance with section 31 of the Education Ordinance, 1873, the committee of the Lower Heathcote school district beg to present a report of their proceedings during the past year. “ Since the last annual meeting, owing to the alteration of the boundaries by the creation of the East Christchurch district, which was made to include part of the Lower Heathcote district, a deputation of the persons affected waited on the committee, and expressed their dissatisfaction at being placed in that district without their consent. Upon this your committee waited on the committee of the East Christchurch district, and also referred the matter to the Board of Education, which resulted in obtaining a remission of a proportion of the rates that had been previously paid by those persons. “Your committee have to report that they have secured nearly three-quarters of an acre of land adjoining the school site, which they have had securely fenced, and are now having ploughed and levelled and sown with grass seed. This, when completed, your committee believe will add much to the comfort of the children, as the former playground was much too small for the large number now attending the school.

“ That the attendance of the school has increased very much during the past year, the number being 258 on the roll as against 197 last year, and owing to this great increase your committee strongly recommend to the incoming committee the great want of further accommodation for the school, as a larger attendance may be expected, and the hot season of the year just commencing, additional room is a want of absolute necessity. Mr Hammond, Inspector of Schools, also strongly recommends the building of an additional class room without delay. “ That the committee have great pleasure in testifying to the zeal and diligence shown by the teachers during the past year. “The annual examination took place on Thursday and Friday, the 24th and 25th of September last, and was conducted by Mr Hammond, inspector of schools, who reports that the school has, on the whole, passed a very satisfactory examination. (Report herewith.) “That on Friday, the 2nd of October instant, the usual treat to the scholars was given, after which the prizes awarded were distributed by Mr Montgomery, who again kindly came forward to meet the children. Mr Maude and a large number of parents and others interested attended, and the bestowal of the various prizes created great excitement, as many of them have been very keenly contested for. “The committee desire to return their th Fnks to Mrs Montgomery and those ladies and gentlemen who so kindly contributed to the number of prizes. “ The accounts, duly audited in accordance with the Ordinance, are appended herewith. “Richard Davis, Chairman.”

The statement of accounts showed receipts, £517 9s 4d ; expenditure, £496 19s; balance £2O 10s 4cl.

The report was received and adopted. A vote of thanks to the retiring committee the teachers, and the chairman, brought the meeting to a close. In consequence of the state of the weather, the other business was postponed,

HEATHCOTE VALLEY.

A meeting of the ratepayers of this district was held in the schoolroom last, evening.

Mr Perkins, in the absence of Mr Smith occupied the chair. The annual report was read, as follows;

“In the absence of the chairman and other members of the committee, we, the remaining portion now present, in taking a retrospective view of the past year, have not much to congratulate either parents or householders of the district on the general management and advancement of the school to this date, considering it has been under the care of a master holding a certificate of so high a standard; and we regret to see parents sending their children to other district schools, which cause the committee to fear there is something wrong. As the time having now arrived for the present committee to go out of office, we hope both parents and householders will use their utmost discretion and elect those gentlemen who will put their shoulders to the wheel, and cause it to run more smoothly for the future, and endeavor to prevent any further jarring.” The report was adopted. The following gentlemen were then elected members of the committee:—Messrs Perkins, Martingdale, Pearce, Dunlop, Gilbert, Jewris, and Ware. Messrs H. Smith and A. L. Smith were elected auditors. ST. ALBANS, A meeting of householders was held in the district school, the Hon J. T. Peacock in the chair. After reading the advertisement calling the meeting, the chairman read the following report of the committee for the past year : “ The outgoing committee of the St Albans district school desire to submit to the annual meeting of householders the following report of their proceedings during the past year. “At their first meeting, Mr J. T. Peacock was unanimously elected chairman of the committee.

“ A joint application having being made by the Rev Messrs Knowles and Fitchett, to be permitted to give religious instruction to the scholars on one half day in each week, the committee, after consideration, declined the request. “ Messrs Philpott and Dickinson have acted throughout the year as a sub-com-mittee, generally to superintend the fencing and laying out of the school grounds, and the details of other works in progress. “ Successful application was made to the Board of Education for a further grant of £I2OO to enable the committee to carry out the complete designs for school rooms, class rooms, master’s house, and outbuildings. “Mr F. W. Smith resigned the assistant mastership of the school in November last on appointment to another charge. The committee accepted his resignation with regret and appointed Mr Thomas Fee to fill the vacant post. “ A full examination of the children attending the schools was held by Mr Hammond, assistant inspectoi, at the request of the committee, prior to the Christmas holidays. A satisfactory report was made by Mr Hammond. Prizes to the value (including some private contributions) of between £lO and £l2, were publicly distributed to the more successful competitors by 0. C.Bowen, Esquire, chairman of the Board. “ The first contract of the new schoolbuildings was completed by Messrs Pearce and Reid in April last ; the total cost being £1240. The vork appears to have been satisfactorily carried out. The committee resolved to apply to the Board for an extra grant for the purpose of staining and varnishing the interior of the schoolrooms throughout, and erection of outbuildings, these works were accordingly done, at a cost of £230. The new premises were formally opened on April 27th, by a public meeting and entertainment, presided over by Mr J, L. Wilson, several other members of the Board, and Wynn Williams, Esq, the member for the district, taking part in the proceedings. “During the absence of Mr J. T. Peacock in Sydney and at the Legislative Council, Mr J. L. Wilson was elected temporary chairman of the committee, and actively discharged the duties of the office. “ Opportunity was taken of the entrance upon the new buildings, to carry out a resolution of the previous committee, by abolishing the mixed. system of instruction, and separating the boys and girls under their respective teachers in different rooms, with this exception, that the first or senior class of girls continued to be taught with the boys by the head master. “ Miss Taylor having resigned her appointment as assistant teacher (greatly to the regret of the committee and of the school), Miss Bennett was appointed in her stead in April last. “In May, the Rev F. Knowles was requested to visit the schools and report, with special reference to the sufficiency or insufficiency of the teaching power. He reported that the schools appeared to be working in a manner generally satisfactory, and recommended that the arrangement made for the tuition of the senior girls should be allowed to continue. The committee, while not altogether acquiescing in this arrangement, have not interfered with it, but remit the matter for the consideration of their successors in office.

“ Mr Salter having removed from the district, Mr C. W. Turner was in June last elected to fill his place, but has been, much to the regret of the committee, prevented by severe illness from attending any of the subsequent meetings. “ The committee, deeming it advisable that healthy and athletic sports should be encouraged under the direction of the teachers in the ample playgrounds attached to the schools, have accordingly granted various sums for purchasing new apparatus for the same and improving the old. “The infants’ schoolroom, now nearly finished, has been erected by Messrs Pearse and Reid for the sum of £655 18s, and a tender from Mr John Buxton to erect the head master’s dwelling-house for the sum of £424, having been accepted, and the work commenced, the district of St Albans will shortly be in possession of school premises of a most complete and commodious description. The grounds have also been appropriately laid out, planted, and substantially fenced. The approach to the school from Crescent road being considered too narrow, the committee have entered into an agreement with Mr W. Hill to purchase for the sum of £6O a strip of land, 12ft wide, for the purpose of widening the roadwty; they putting up a paling fence on the re-adjusted boundary of Mr Hill’s garden. “ Mr Pyne has been re-appointei collector of the household rate, and has been actively employed in its collection.

“ The schools were again examined by Mr Hammond in July, and a report of a generally favourable character was received from him. The attendance has increased, and now numbers 148 boys and 141 girls—total 289. “ Mr J. L. Wilson having resigned his seat on the committee, a resolution was unanimously passed in September last recognising his untiring efforts in behalf of the school, and expressive of regret at the loss of his valuable services.

“Arrangements have been made, by which the school bell is now regularly rung at noon and at one p.m., as a matter of convenience to the district.

“In relinquishing their office, the committee present for adoption the balancesheet of the year’s accounts, as audited by Mr George Gould and Mr E. W. Wright. “ Signed on behalf of the committee, 12th October, 1874.

“ J. T. Peacock, “ Chairman.” On the motion of the Rev Mr Fitchett, the report and balance-sheet were adopted. The Rev Mr Fitchett in seconding a vote of thanks to the retiring committee, remarked upon the refusal of the committee to allow the Rev Mr Knowles and himself to attend the school to give religious instruction. He believed the committee represented the feeling of the householders, and he was very sorry for it. He did not, however, intend to say any more about that subject then, but would wait for the education of public opinion.

The following gentlemen were then nominated as candidates for the new school committee—Revs F. Knowles and A. R Fitchett, Hon J. T. Peacock, W. H. Cooper, W. Butler, J. L. Wilson, W. Moire, R. Bobies, Butterfield, J. Philpot, G. Dickinson, E. Williams. A show of hands resulted in the following gentlemen being elected—Revs F. Knowles and A. R. Fitchett, Hon J. T. Peacock, J. L. Wilson, W. H. Cooper, G. Dickinson, W. Moire, J. Philpot, and E. Williams.

Some discussion ensued about Mr Williams’ election, as he does not occupy a separate house at the present time. The chairman, however, ruled that as Mr Williams’ name was on the roll he was eligible for election. Messrs G. Gould and B. G. Wright were elected auditors for the ensuing year. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. PAPANDI. The annual meeting of this district was held last evening, when there was a large attendance, Captain Bell in the chair. The Chairman intimated why the meeting had been called, and read the outgoing committee’s report:— “ Your committee beg to lay before the third annual meeting the following report of their proceedings during the past year:— “The following works and improvements in and about the school and the grounds have been carried out and brought under the consideration of your committee:— “ During the month of June the tender of Mr Goodland, for the sum of £44, was accepted for the erection of two brick chimneys for the larger schoolroom, and the contract was carried out.

“ A special rate was struck by the Board of Education, levying one-sixth of the cost of this work, the balance of the cost being contributed by the Board to meet this expenditure.

“As the amount realised from the special rate (viz., £25) was more than sufficient to meet the one-sixth cost of the erection of the chimneys, the committee decided upon improving the school grounds, and in the month of August adopted the report of their subcommittee, Messrs Low and Kruse (who had been appointed for that purpose), relative to the improvement of the school grounds. “ Tenders were invited, and the tender of Messrs Cleaver was ultimately accepted for the sum of £lB 7s 6d, the original tenderers, Messrs Elliott and Miller having abandoned their tender.

“ The work is now being carried on, and will result in the levelling of the grounds, shingling footpaths round the school, and digging a ditch alongside the dividing fence between Mr Kruse’s land and the school premises, the committee finding grass seed, drain pipes, and shingle. The total expense will be about £3O, and of this amount the district contribute one-sixth, leaving a balance of the rate in the hands of the committee, as the Board have also contributed five-sixths towards the cost of this work.

“ This improvement will add materially to the health and appearance of the school grounds. “The committee at their second meeting on the 31st of October, 1873, sanctioned the attendance of the Rev F. G. Brittau, 8.A., for the purpose of imparting religious instrution upon Tuesday in each week, in accordance with clause 62 of the Education Ordinance, and it appears from the inspector’s report that the Bible knowledge of the children attending the school is very satisfactory.

“ Prizes to the amount of £5 16s 6d were awarded to the children last Christmas. Of this sum £3 was granted from the Board, and the balance from private funds raised and in the hands of the committee.

“ The annual treat was given to the children last Christmas, and in consequence of the large amount of £27 being collected the children were taken by train to Raugiora, and the treat was a great success, a paddock having been kindly lent for the purpose. •‘Two entertainments have been originated and held, resulting in the gain of a net balance of £lO 8s Id towards prizes for the next Christmas examination. Thecommittee were greatly assisted by friends from Christchurch in carrying out these entertainments, to whom they must offer their best thanks. “ The usual examinations were held at Christmas and in August, and the report of the inspectors on both occasions was as stated by them to be ‘ very satisfactory on the whole.’

“ The best thanks of the committee are due to Mr Mayo, Mrs Jennings, and Miss Derritt, for their exertions during the past year. “ The attendance on the books of the school shows an increase on the proceeding year, “ At a meeting held on September the 9th, Mr Mayo, the present schoolmaster, tendered his resignation to take effect at the end of the ensuing quarter. The committee resolved not to accept the resignation, and requested Mr Mayo to withdraw the same, which he refused to do.

“ Th'> committee beg to point out that the teaching power in the school is not sufficient to meet the increase of scholars that has taken place in the school during the past year, and an assistant male teacher is much required. “ During the past year Messrs Goodland and Sisson have resigned, owing to their busi-

ness preventing their attendance at the meetings, and ssrs George Harper and George Dunnage were elected to fill their places.

“ The accounts have been audited and are on the table open for inspection . “B. S. Bell,

“ Chairman Papanui School Committee.” The Chairman read the balance-sheet of the district, which showed it to be in a very flourishing condition. Receipts, £585 6s sd; expenditure, £425 18s, leaving a credit balance of £159 18s Bd.

The Chairman also read the inspector’s report which showed that the school was in a very satisfactory condition. Before the election of officers the Chairman read the clause of the Ordinance directing the election. Mr Gondland moved, seconded by Mr Godfrey—“ That the committee consist of five members.”

An amendment was moved by Mr Lowe, seconded by Mr Dunnage—“ That the committee consist of nine members.”

The amendment on being put to the meeting was carried. The following gentlemen were elected members of the committee, viz: Messrs Harper, Freestone, Dunnage, Smith, Norman, Kruse, Godrey, Barlow, and Jones. Messrs Lowe and Bell were elected auditors for the ensuing year. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring committee, and the meeting dispersed. HAREWOOD ROAD, The annual meeting of ratepayers for the election of a new school committee was held last night in the schoolroom, Mr G. A. Durey, chairman of the outgoing committee, in the chair.

The chairman read the following annual report:—

“In presenting to you the usual yearly report, I shall take the opportunity of giving you a very short summary of what has been done in connection with school matters duriugthe past year. The school has been examined twice by the Government Inspector, at the former of which I, with several members of the committee, was present, and as the inspector’s report shows, the school passed a highly creditable examination, reflecting credit on the teachers, to whose assiduity and diligence in school work I have great pleasure in bearing testimony. The examination being to a certain extent for the purpose of determining to whom amongst the several classes prizes were to be awarded was very searching, and consisted chiefly of written papers, the neatness and accuracy of which I had an opportunity of judging, and consider they were exceedingly creditable. The latter examination was a casual one, and as the inspector’s report shows on this occasion also, the efficiency of the school was highly commendable. The number of children on the books of the school was during last quarter 70, so, calculating the number for whom rates were paid last year, I conclude that almost all the children in the district between the ages of six and thirteen are in attendance.

“ The committee finding during the year certain articles of school furniture were absolutely required, and that in fact the teachers were working at a great disadvantage for want of proper apparatus, after considerable deliberation, could only devise ons means by which to obtain the necessary onesixth of the required amount, as according to the present Educational Ordinance it is incumbent on each district to pay into the Provincial Treasury that proportion of all sums granted by the Board of Education to local committees; so after very carefully considering the matter, the committee decided upon levying a small rate, as most fair and equitable to all, and as some of the largest ratepayers in the district were members of the committee they cannot incur the imputation of imposing unnecessary taxation. The school is now supplied with a complete set of desks and forms, constructed on the ’ most approved plans, a cupboard which has long been required, and maps, the want of which was very detrimental te the impart'irig 1 the • ‘hecessary geographical instruction, a coal and wood shed has been erected, and also a kitchen range for the master’s 'house 1 has been procured. “ I may’mention that at the time the present school was opened, the old school furniture which had been in use for years was only temporarily utilized, a a the committee then in existence had the greatest difficulty in obtaining sufficient funds for the erection of the school buildings alone, I mention this as some of the ratepayers were under the erroneous impression that the school was supplied with new furniture at the time of its opening.

‘‘ As you are aware, the school committee has also control over the affairs of the library. lam happy to be able to state that the district will shortly be in possession of a comfortable reading room and library. After a great amount of trouble, the committee succeeded in raising £SO, which it was necessary to do, in order to claim £IOO promised by the late Provincial Secretary, but now all the difficulties are surmounted, the building is being erected, and there are now in hand from the Government books to the value of £25, consisting of very choice works, and a similar allotment is expected very shortly, so that those, together with the books belonging to the old library, which have been kindly handed over to the district by the trustees, will form a very respectable collection, and will prove, I think, a very great boon'to residents in the district.” The balance-sheet showed the receipts to have been £278 0s 7dexpenditure, £222 0s 3d ; leaving a balance of £56 0s 4d. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The following gentlemen were .then proposed for election as members of the school committee: —G. A, Durey, J. Grimsey, J, Stanley, H. Nunweek, J. Donald, G. Watson, J. Durey, T. Claridge, B. Strange, J. Philpott, R. Sutcliff, D. Maydwell, B. Hack, J. Richards.

On a show of hands being taken, the first nine were declared to be duly elected. Messrs R. Sutcliff and 0. Turner were elected auditors for the ensuing year.

After a vote of thanks to the retiring committee, the meeting broke up.

NORTH ROAD.

This district held its annual meeting last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr P. Tisch occupied the chair.

The minutes of the last annual meeting were rend and confirmed.

The Chairman produced the balance-sheet of the district, duly audited, which showed that the receipts had been £174 3s 6d, the expenditure £154 15s, leaving a credit balance of £l9 8s 6d.

Ihe following gentlemen were then elected members of committee for the ensuing year :—Messrs Webb, Johns, Duncan, Wilson, and Straehan. Auditors, Messrs G. Tisch and J. Abbott.

A vote of thanks to the retiring committee terminated the meeting.

RICCARTON. At the hour named in the advertisement, calling the annual meeting of householders in this district, several persons met last night in the schoolroom, but as the attendance was limited, owing to the inclement weather, it was decided by the committee not to hold the meeting, and to ask the Board of Education to call a meeting of householders in the district on a future date, for the purpose of electing a new school committee. UPPER HEATHCOTE, The annual meeting was held in the district school, Sir Cracroft Wilson in the chair. The Chairman stated that the committee had met fifteen times during the past year. The present schoolroom was opened with an entertainment on the 24th November last, the proceeds, which amounted to £lB 2s 6d nett, were paid into a separate fund and set aside for lighting the school, purchase of lamps, &c. On the 16th July Miss Seager was appointed schoolmistress at a salary of £6O per annum, that appointment being duly sane* tioned. The old schoolmaster’s house had been sold by auction and realised £lO 18s 6d, that amount being paid into the treasury. At a meeting of the school committee held on the 30th June, it was resolved to furnish the teacher with a copy of the following resolution then passed, viz:—“That complaints having been made to the committee that the children are not making sufficient progress, they recommend Mr Davidson to exercise more energy, and to pay more attention to the discipline of the school, as they have decided upon applying to the Board of Education to order that the school be inspected at the earliest convenience of the Board.” A report from the sub-inspector of schools had been read at a meeting held on the 7th August, further consideration of the subject being deferred until a fuller meeting should be held. The Provincial Auditor had audited the school accounts on the 7th September, which showed a credit balance of £136 18s lOd, since which date some few accounts of expenditure incurred during the past year had been presented and were still outstanding, amounting to £37 17s 7d. On comparing the tabulated statement issued by the authority of the Board of Education for the two quarters ending 31st March, 1874, and 30th June, 1874, it appeared that the average daily attendance at the Upper Heathcote school had decreased, and which the committee saw with the deepest regret, seeing that the average daily attendance at the school for quarter ending 31st March, 1874, amounted to 64, while that for the quarter ending 30th June, 1874, only reached 57. This was the more to be regretted, as looking at the return of the schools in the adjoining districts for the same quarter, an increase rather than a decrease was invariably shown. Mr Whiting remarked that there were 90 scholars now on the books, and the average attendance for the quarter ending September had been 54.

The balance-sheet for the past year showed the receipts to have been £679 Os 9d ; expenditure, £442 Is lid ; leaving a balance to be carried forward of £136 18s lOd. The election of the new school committee then took place, when the following gentlemen were elected : Sir Cracroft Wilson, W. Henderson, F. H. Wilson, J. T. Harrap, W. H. Whiting, R. Rax worthy, J. Smith, C. E. M, Mears, and W. Morland. Messrs A. A. Fantham and Payne were elected auditors.

A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring committee.

A meeting of the library committee was then held, Sir C. Wilson in the chair, when the following report was read “ The library committee having received the stock of books (selected by a special committee appointed for the purpose of such selection) from Government, appear before the meeting of householders to announce publicly that the library is open to the public, and to request that those intending to subscribe to* the library will put down their names forthwith, as money is needed to pay for certain liabilities which the care and issue of books involve. The committee have drawn up a set of rules, which they are anxious the public meeting should approve, for the future guidance and management of the library. They have temporarily appointed the schoolmaster as librarian, which appointment requires to be confirmed by the meeting. The whole of the Government grant allocated to the Upper Heathcote library up to this date, amounting to £SO has been expended in the purchase of books, and the library committee consider that it is a source of congratulation to the neighborhood that they have succeeded, at a very moderate outlay, in providing a room suitable for the purposes of a library, with an air of comfort about it,* and are sanguine that, with proper manage- 1 ment of the school, the scholars will avail themselves ultimately of those advantages which a well-conducted library (even 1 though it starts on a very moderate scale) ig< calculated to supply. John A. McDonald’*-, bill for work done, amounting to £29 6s, ia still unpaid. The balance at the Bank of' New Zealand is £4O Is 6d.” It was resolved that the new members of* the school commitee, with the addition of - Messrs Torrens and Kilburn, be the com*' mittee of the library for the ensuing year; also, that the new auditors be auditors of the library, to be also members of the library committee.

Mr D. Davidson was appointed librarian. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting closed,

NEW BRIGHTON.

The annual meeting was held at the schoolroom last evening. Mr P. Kerr, the chairman of the district committee, occupied the chair. The annual report was read and received as also the balance-sheet.

The following gentlemen were chosen to act as the committee for the ensuing year, viv: Messrs P. Kerr, E. Barker, Inwood, Corsair, Gibbs, Adams, and Selfe.