SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 117, 15 October 1874, Page 4

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

MANDBVILLE PLAINS. At the annual meeting of householders, held here on Tuesday evening, there was a limited attendance, owing to the inclemency of the weather. Mr R. Atkinson was moved to the chair, and read the usual report which showed the average attendance last quarter to be 33, and 56 scholars’names on the books; average attendance for the year 32, against 26 last year, A new master had been appointed, planting carried out, and new furniture ordered. The use of the school had been granted for the public library of the district, which was expected to be soon opened. Prizes were intended to be given to scholars at next examination. The accounts were also examined. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The committee elected was Messrs R. Dailey, B. White, J. Baggist, H. Penwell, J. Winter, J. Elliot, W. Major, R. Atkinson, and C. Rimmington. Messrs W. H. Grant and T. Hide were elected auditors. At the meeting of the committee subsequently held, Mr Dailey was unanimously re-elected chairman. EYRETON. At the annual meeting of householders held here on Tuesday evening there were thirty persons present. Captain Row, chairman of the committee, presided and read the annual report and accounts which were adopted. The committee elected was Messrs J. MofEatt, T. Chilton, C. Overton, F Denton, B. Glue, J. Davies, H. Martin, E. Butters, H. Lavery. Messrs W. Murphy and H. Beal were elected auditors.

At a meeting of the committee subsequently held, Mr J. Moffat was unanimously elected cbairmau.

WEST EYRETON. At the annual meeting of householders, held here on Monday evening, there was only a limited attendance.

Mr John Horrell, chairman of the committee, presided. He read the report and balance sheet, which were adopted. The committee elected was Messrs Sheat, Bennet, Horrell, Smith, Bradley, Palmer, McDowal, Frizzell, and Cry sell. At a meeting of the committee subsequently held, Mr J. Horrell was unanimously re-elected chairman.

FLAXTON. At the annual meeting of householders held here on Monday evening, there was a fair attendance considering the state of the weather.

Mr E. Mulcock being moved to the chair, called upon Mr H. Bachelor, chairman of the committee, to read the report, which noticed the fact that the average attendance at the main school was and at the Ohoka side school, 29. He also read a statement of the accounts.

The report and statement were passed. The following were nominated for thecommittee: Messrs R. Hopkins, H. Bachelor, J. Clark, W Mang, Levi Jackson, W. Robinson, J. Sambrook, H. Huncke, G. Leatherdale, J. Stevenson, E. Mulcock, G. Wallace J. King, Picard, A, Brown, J. Power, J. Dodd G. Smith, and P. Grible. The show of hands was in favor of the first nine, and a poll was demanded, which ■will be taken on Monday the 19th. Messrs Brocklesby and J. Robb were elected auditors. SODTHBROOK. At the annual meeting of householders held here on Monday evening, there was only a thin attendance in consequence of the boisterous weather.

Mr D. Graham, chairman of the committee, occupied the chair, and after reading the notice calling the meeting, and regulations affecting it, gave a short account of the doings of the committe during the year, and read the statement of accounts.

The report and statement were adopted. The committee selected were Messrs D. Graham, E. Steggall, G, Watson, and J. Thompson (members of the retiring com mittee), and J. Withers, W. M'Gregor, J. Neild, H. Hooper, and A Protheroe. Messrs James and Henry were elected as auditors.

At a meeting of the committee subsequently held Mr Graham was unanimously elected chairman, and Mr J. Thompson consenting to act as secretary on the request of the meeting, GUST. The annual meeting of householders of this district was held at the schoolroom on Monday evening last. There was a good attendance, Mr R. L. Higgins, chairman of the committee, in the chair. The annual report and balance sheet for the past year were laid before the meeting, and were approved and adopted. The scholars attending the school during the past year averaged ninety-seven, showing a great increase in their number. The inspector’s report on the school was also very cheering. The Chairman asked if any of the householders present wished to give their opinion on the matter of removing the school buildings to a more suitable site ; they had better decide the matter now, before proceeding to elect the new committee. He (the chairman) had received two tenders for sites, which he would read them, one being from Mr Crysell, and one from Mr J. Wayland.

It was decided to accept Mr Crysell’s offer of two acres for £75. A considerable discussion ensued about the erection of the proposed side school, and the site.

It was decided that the chairman write to the Board of Education and ascertain from them whether a site for the side school can be obtained on part of the educational reserve at present let to Mr McClinton. The election of members to serve on the committee, was then proceeded with, and the following were elected, —Messrs Higgins, Conway, Huddenklau, Garland, O’Farrell, Bowick, J. W. Carter, Searell, and W. Zouch. Messis Howson and Early were elected auditors, OXFORD (EAST). At the annual meeting of the householders held here on Monday evening, there was an excellent attendance, fifty of the principal householders present.

Mr Sedcole, who presided, read the yearly report, noticing among other items, that the average weekly attendance of scholars was 78, there being 98 on the roll, and the lowest daily average, 37. Considerable energy appeared to have been shown by the committee in carrying out the education system of the district.

The report and statement of accounts were adopted. The committee elected was: Messrs W, Fisher, J. Pearson, jun, H. Sedcole, R. Morris, C. Mehrtus, J. Weeoer, R Parish, Rev F. T. Opie, and D. Weld. Messrs F. Comyns and 0. Petrie, were elected auditors.

A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated an orderly meeting. At a meeting of the committee subsequently held, Mr Wilson Fisher was elected chairman. CARLETON. At the annual meeting of householders held here on Monday evening there was a moderate attendance. Mr G. Cowan occupied the chair, and read the report and statement of accounts, which were satisfactory and adopted. The following committee was elected : Messrs T. Ellis, G. Cowan, J. Skurr, F. Wanter, and E. Jeffs, Messrs G. Curie and J, Cross being elected as auditors. ASHLEY. At the annual meeting of householders held here on Monday evening there were barely sufficient persons present to constitute the required number of committee-men and auditors. This wa« owing to the severe weather and bad roads. Mr P. Fawcett, chairman of the committee, presided. He read the report, the chief features in which were a recommendation to enlarge and improve the master’s house, and the success which had attended the public library attached to the school -over 600 books having been in the hands of subscribers since September 24th of last year. The balance-sheet showed the balance from last year to be £2B 7s 5d ; by rates, £72 ; Government grant, £196 3s 2d ; contribution towards one-sixth expense of improvement, £5 Is ; total, £291 11s 7d. Expenditure, £2OO 8s 10s. Balance on October Ist, £9l 2s 9d.

The report and statement were adopted. The committee elected was Messrs J. G. Bell, P. Fawcett, John Ellwood, C. S. Houghton, F, Wright, F. Croft, and G. Leach (reelected), and G. Graham and T. Downes (new members). Messrs T. Croft and J. Thwaites were elected auditors. At a meeting of the committee subsequently held Mr P. Fawcett was unanimously re-elected chairman. LOBURN. The annual meeting of householders for this district was not held, as only five were present, others being deterred by the boisterous weather. The Chairman, Mr J. A. Cunningham, was requested to write informing his Honor the Superintendent of the circumstance, and to ask to have another meeting called, and also to ask permission for it to be held on another evening except Monday, as it was expected the Rev A. K. Fitchett would lecture in the schoolroom on one Monday evening at an early date.

WOODEND. At the annual meeting of the householders held here on Monday evening there was a good attendance. Mr James Little, chairman of the committee, presided. He read the report, which noticed the facts connected with the erection of the new school, the efficient staff of teachers that had been secured, and that planting the site had been carried out. The inspector’s report, a highly satisfactory one, was referred to. Sundry improvements were suggested to be done. The statement of accounts showed the committee were in arrears £l6 Gs 6d for items received from the Board of Education.

The report and statement were adopted, a vote of thanks being passed to the retiring committee.

The committee elected were Messrs J. Little. 0. J. Norton, W. Salkeld, J. Conway, Clayton, Silbs, W. Eder, and F. Horrell. Messrs C. Sims and Maurice Jones were elected auditors. At a subsequent meeting of the Committee Mr Norton was elected chairman. WAIKUKU. At the annual meeting of the householders held here on Monday evening, there was not a large attendance mainly owing to the unpropitious state of the elements. Mr Thomas Wilson, chairman of the committee, presided. He read the report and statement of accounts, which were adopted. The committee unanimously appointed was Messrs C. Skevington, R. Leggitt, W. Morris, T. Griffiths, and T. Wilson, Messrs R. Cousins and J. Finch were elected auditors, A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the chairman for his past services. At a meeting of the committee subsequently held Mr T. Wilson was unanimously re-elected chairman. SALTWATER CREEK. At the annual meeting of householders held here on Monday evening, there was only a limited attendance. Mr F. H. M. Walker, chairman of the committee, presided. He read the report and statement of accounts, which were considered satisfactory and adopted. The committee elected was Messrs A. Pritchard, W. Hagley, W. Thompson, J. Thompson, J. Wylie, and J. Mathers. Mr Walker, though desired to allow himself to be re-elected, declined, explaining that he could not give the attention to the interests of the school which was required. The election of auditors was overlooked. At a meeting of the committee, subsequently held, Mr W. Hagley was elected chairman. LEITHFIELD, At the annual meeting of householders held here on Monday evening, there was a rather thin attend mce, owing to the unsettled state of the elements. Mr John Smellie, chairman of the committee, presided. He read the report and statement of accounts, which were adopted. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr J Smith, seconded bj Mr R. Wallace, “ That the committee consist of five members,”

The committee elected waa Messrs Jno Smellie, D. Shaw, R. "May, John Srnellie, and J. W. Peacocke ; Messrs R. Wallace and J. Smith were elected auditors.

Votes of thanks to the outgoing committee and auditors were passed. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr John Smellie was unanimously re-elected chairman.

AMBERLBY. At the annual meeting of householders, held here on Monday evening, there was a fair attendance. Mr S. Coleman, chairman of the committee, occupied the chair. He reviewed the proceedings of the past year. As the accounts had been loosely kept, the auditors could not certify as to their correctness, A discussion arose as to whether a committee could be elected, when the Chairman ruled that it could, and the accounts afterwards examined. The committee elected was Messrs A. Greig, S. Coleman, Locock, J. Stanton, 0. Hadler, Robinson, and Gibbs, Messrs J. Ward and H Major being elected as auditors. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the chairman. At a meeting of the committee subsequently held, Mr Gibbs was elected chairman.

SPRINGSTON.

The annual meeting of the ratepayers Of this district was held on Monday. Mr Shand occupied the chair.

The report, which Mr Rule, the secretary, read, showed that the working of the school had been satisfactory, also that large additions were being made to the school building; at a cost of £423, the district providing about £7O. The balance on hand was £IOB 19s.

On the motion of Mr W. La wry the report read was confirmed.

The meeting then proceeded to the election of the committee for the coming year, when out of fifteen candidates the following gentlemen were elected Rev Mr Cannel, Messrs G. Marshall, Beaumont, F, Wright, Matthews, H. Kime, Bruce, Rule, and Swain.

The committee met afterwards, when the Rev Mr Canuel was elected chairman. The members of the district library committee are—Mr J. Marshall, MrW. Marshall, Mr Lawry, Mr Duke, and Mr Murray. LINCOLN. The annual meeting of householders to receive the report of the outgoing committee and elect a committee for the ensuing year, was held on Monday, the 12th, at the schoolroom, Lincoln. Owing to the inclement state of the weather there was not such a numerous attendance as there otherwise would have been.

'The chairman read the minutes of the last annual meeting, 1873, which were confirmed. He then submitted the report of the outgoing committee.

A householder asked whose fault it was that the tenders for the new school had not been published sooner. The chairman stated in reply, that he had given the architect instructions to have the plan and specification drawn out in July last, and he had a good deal of trouble to get them finished at the time Giey were.

Several householders present stated that the specifications were not furnished on Saturday last, although the tenders were to be sent in on the Monday following. It was moved and seconded, and carried — “ That the report of the outgoing committee be adopted.” The accounts showed a balance to the credit of the committee of £B6 19s 4d. It was moved by Mr C. McPherson, seconded by Mr G. Brown, that the accounts, as placed before the meeting, be passed. Carried.

The nomination of a committee was then proceeded with, when the following twelve gentlemen were duly proposed and seconded: Messrs R. Wright, A. P. O’Callaghan, C. McPherson, H. White, J. Taylor, John Wills, D. Dunn, E. Townshend, H. Pannett, G. Smith, F. Berry, and H. Meynenberg. The Chairman declared Messrs R. Wright, A . P. O’Callaghan, H. Pannett, F. Berry, and G. Smith duly elected, the other gentlemen withdrawing their names. Messrs W. A. Murray and E. Townshend were elected auditors for the ensuing year.

At a meeting of the committee subse quently held, Mr R. Wright was elected chairman, subject to his approval, he being absent.

KILLINGHY. The ratepayers of this educational district held their annual public meeting on Monday evening, the 12th of October, in the Killincby schoolroom. The chairman of the outgoing committee gave a satisfactory statement of the accounts for the past year, and they were unanimously passed. The following were elected to act as committee for the ensuing year:—Messrs Wra, Mehary, Sami. Lemon, Wm. Lowry, Wm. Nixon, Wm. Thompson, Wra. Cooper, Jno. Mcßee, Hugh Rainey, and George McClure. Mr Wm Nixon, who has acted as chairman for the past two years, was again elected to fill that office. A vote of thanks to the outgoing committee for the able manner in which they had conducted the school business for the year, brought the meeting to a close. LITTLE RAKAIA. The annual meeting of the Little Rakaia school was held in the schoolroom, on October 12th, Mr Jollic in the chair. The chairman read the report of committee for the past year, which was unanimously adopted. The following gentlemen were then, after being duly proposed and seconded, elected as the committee for the ensuing year, viz Maurice Ashwin, F. Strange, P. Cannon, S. Scott, P. Ball, T. Walsh, R. Thompson, W. Gabbie and Abbott. Messrs Jollie and M, Campbell were elected auditors. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. SOUTHBRIDGE. The annual meeting of ratepayers for the Southbridge educational district was held at the schoolroom, on Monday, October 12th. Mr C. J. Bridge in the chair. Owing to the inclemency of the weather the attendance was not as numerous as it might otherwise have been,

The chairman, after reading the advertisement convening the meeting, proceeded to read the minutes of the last annual meeting, which were duly confirmed. The correspondence received by the chairman. during the past year, waa laid on the table for inspection, likewise vouchers and abstract of expenditure, as audited by Mr Ollivier, Collector’s return was also produced and passed.

The election of a school committee was then proceeded with, when the following gentlemen were duly elected :—Messrs C. J. Bridge, H. Paddy, Alex. Webster, C. Bourn, Captain Willis. D. Petrie, A. Storrie, James Andrews, and Geo. Early.

Messrs Harris and Lewis were elected auditors. It waa resolved that a vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Fergusson, for the able and efficient manner in which he had conducted his duties as master during the past year. Mr Fergusson replied in a suitable speech, in which he thanked them for the cordial manner in which they had passed the vote of thanks, and hoped that the end of next year would see the school attendance increased in a proportionate rate to the past one. A vote of thanks to the chairman for his services during the past year terminated the proceedings. A committee meeting was then held, present, all members. On the motion of Mr Bourn, seconded by Mr Webster, C. J. Bridge, Esq, was unanimously re-elected chairman. The collector was instructed to take immediate steps for the recovery of the rates still owing. It was resolved “ That the chairman be authorised to get the necessary repairs done to the schoolmaster’s house, as asked for by him, and likewise to take steps for the purchase of a stove suitable for the school as enlarged.” A vote of thanks to the chairman, and the meeting adjourned. ASHBURTON. A meeting took place in the schoolroom on the evening of the 12th instant, to hear the report of the outgoing committee for the past year, and to elect a new committee for the ensuing year. Mr H. T. Winter, chairman of the old committee, read the report, which showed a very marked increase in the number of children on the books of the school since the last annual meeting, and proved the great want of more teaching power. The accounts as audited were, together with the report, received and adopted, showinu a balance in favor of the committee of about £97 odd.

A very general feeling of satisfaction was expressed at the manner in which the schoolmaster conducted the school, and brought on the children in their studies, and a minute to that effect was recorded.

The meeting then proceeded to the election of a new committee and auditors for the ensuing year, when the following gentlemen were nominated, viz., Messrs H. J. Winter, Alfred Saunders, Dr Trevor, J. Hunt, senr., D. Williamson, E. Watkin, Leggett, S. Poyntz, Hay Smith, G. Lamb, T. Bullock, and Doherty. After a show of hands had been taken, the chairman declared the first five gentlemen duly elected. Mr A. Saunders begged to withdraw in favor of Mr Doherty, as he wished to see every denomination represented on the committee. Eventually Mr Doherty’s name was substituted for Mr A. Saunders. Messrs T. Bullock and H. Friedlander were appointed auditors. Mr Saunders proposed, and it was seconded—“ That it is desirable that a female teacher be immediately procured.” An amendment, moved by the Rev J. H. Wills, seconded by Mr Poyntz—“ That it is desirable that more teaching power be at once obtained,” was, after evoking considerable discussion, put to the meeting and negatived. The resolution was then put and carried. Mr Saunders proposed, and it was seconded —“ That an addition be immediately added to the present school, the present room being far too small.” This was also carried.

After votes of thanks to the chairman and outgoing committee, the meeting separated. t A meeting of the committee was then held, when Mr H. T. Winter was unanimously elected chairman for the ensuing year.

The next meeting of the committee will take place on Friday, 16th, at seven p.m. GREENPARK. In accordance with the provisions of the Education Ordinance, 1873, a public meeting of the householders in the Greenpark district was held in the schoolroom on Monday evening, the 12th instant, but in consequence of the tempestuous and rainy state of the weather, few ventured to attend. The chairman, Mr W. B. Andrew, haying briefly addressed those in attendance, proceeded to read the advertisement calling the meeting, his Honor the Superintendent’s regulations for appointment of school committees, the minutes of the last annual meeting, and a memorial from some of the Lincoln inhabitants praying to be admitted into the Greenpark educational boundary. The chairman then called upon the meeting to el ct a committee for the ensuing year, and the following gentlemen were duly installed Messrs John George Murray, William Bale Andrew, Charles Kimber, Thomas Yarr, Alfred Blank, and Lewis Hamilton. Messrs Quartley and Bennett were elected auditors. It was then proposed by Mr Murray and carried—“ That the newly elected committee meet in the schoolroom on Friday evening next, for the purpose of electing a chairman.” A Utter was handed to the chairman from the Rev H, Stocker, asking permission to hold divine service in the schoolroom for the ensuing year. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting terminated. HU RUN HI. In accordance with the notice issued by the Board of Education, a meeting of householders resident in the recently proclaimed Hurunui educational district, was held at the Star and Garter Hotel, Waikari, on Monday evening last. There was a very fair attendance, and, on the motion of Mr J. Dron, the chair was taken by Mr A. R. D. Tosswill. The Chairman, after a few introductory remarks, introduced Mr J. N. Tosswill, a member of the Board of Education, who ex

plained that the meeting was called for the purpose of appointing a school committee, and electing two auditors. He informed the meeting that from a return obtained through the police, it appeared that there were from 40 to SO children, between the ages of 5 and 13, residing in the district. The Board of Education was very desirous that those children should be educated, and would carefully consider any proposals made by the committee.

The following gentlemen were then elected members of the school committee, viz.—: Messrs J. Dron, A. E. D, Tosswill, J. McLean, and J. White.

Messrs J. Cowie and J. Glendinning were appointed auditors for the ensuing year. Considerable discussion then took place as to the advisability of establishing one or more schools. The very scattered nature of the population, and a large area comprised in the district, rendering the question one of great difficulty. Some of those present appeared to be in favor of three small schools, viz; at Waikara, Mason’s Flat, and Hurunui; others, on the contrary, thought a central school in the neighborhood of the Star and Garter Hotel, Waikari, would in the firsr instance be most advantageous. A proposal for a travelling schoolmaster met with little support, and ultimately, it was agreed to leave the matter in the hands of the school committee.

The meeting then adjourned. Subsequently, a meeting of the school committee was held, Mr A. E. D. Tosswill being elected chairman. After full discussion, it was resolved —“ That with the consent of the Board of Education, a school be erected in the neighborhood of the Star and Garter Hotel, Waikari.”

The chairman was requested to take steps to procure a site, consisting of two or more acres, and also to apply to the Government for a grant of money for the purchase of books for a Public Library. He was further empowered, subject to the approval of the Board of Education, to procure plans for a schoolroom 18ft x 25ft. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr J. N. Tosswill for attending ; the committee then adjourned. LEESTON. The annual meeting of the ratepayers of this district was held in the schoolroom on Monday night last. There was a very large attendance, Rev J. W. Cree in the chair. The chairman, after reading advertisement convening the meeting and minutes of last annual meeting, and of committee meetings held during past year, produced the correspondence and papers in connection with school matters for inspection. Considerable discussion then took place about course of action taken by the chairman during the past year. The balance-sheet was read and adopted, as also annual report of the outgoing committee.

The following gentlemen were then proposed as a committee for the ensuing year : —J. J, Loe, Barnett, Bennett, J, Lockhead, J. M'Lachlan, W. D. Laurence, Durant, G. Bandry, and J. Lambie ; Revs J. W. Cree, J. Osborne, Robb, Murison, Longstaff, John Doyle, Clarke, Rottery, Kellahan, Blackler, jun, and Smith. On a show of hands being taken the first nine were declared duly elected. A vote of thanks was given to the chairman and his retiring committee, which Mr Cree duly acknowledged on behalf of himself and colleagues. A meeting of the new committee was then held, all members present. On the motion of Mr W. D. Laurence, seconded by Mr J. M'Lachlan, Mr J, J. Loe was unanimously elected chairman, and Messrs Rennie and Lockhead auditors,

It was proposed by Mr J. M'Lachlan, and seconded by Mr Lockhead, “ That the chairman be authorised to carry on minor arrangements in connection with the school without continually calling meetings of his colleagues.” A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. . , ■

HORORATA. On Monday, the 12th instant, a general meeting of the residents in the Hororata educational district was held in the schoolroom. Mr Fountaine, the chairman, handed round the account sheet, audited by the Provincial Auditor, and referred to the work done, viz,, the enlargement of the master’s house, repairs, &c, to the schoolroom, and other small items of general improvement to the school site. He afterwards proceeded to read the master’s (Mr Digby) report, which stated that the increase of the number of scholars was steadily going on, showing the number on the registe , on 30th September, to be fifty-nine, against forty-eight at the same time last year. The report further stated that the master respectfully urged on the incoming committee, the great necessity there existed for a material enlargement of the schoolroom, both as regarded the carrying on of the studies of the scholars, as well as for their health in hot weather. The chairman also stated the masters were hence forth to be paid every month, and he expressed a hope that any communications that might be addressed to the Board would receive a little prompter attention in answering than some of theirs during the past year, as one that was sent for a certain object was not replied to for two months. Ihe meeting then proceeded to elect the

committee, when the following gentlemen were duly proposed, seconded, and unani-

mously elected : —Messrs Fountaine, Cordy, Barker, Brownlee, Baker, R. Maffey, Westell, J. Manson, Thorne, Mr Fountaine was again elected chairman by the committee. The meeting then proceeded to elect a library committee for the year, when the following were elected, to act conjointly with the school committee :—Messrs B. Derritt, W. Baker, Prestidge, Thwaites, and Griffiths.

The former rules for the library were amended, and books could be returned every day in the week, with the exception of Saturday, and others taken out from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and on Tuesday from 3 p.m, till 8 p.m„ as during the past year there was only the Tuesday in each week. The chairman (Mr Fountaine) of the past year’s committee, produced the accounts, when they showed a balance of £22 for the further purchasing of books. Mr Digby, the librarian, was appointed to audit the past year’s accounts. Mr Barker said he understood that a fur-

ther Government grant of money was voted towards assisting the different district j libraries, when it was unanimously resolved

—“ That an application should bo made to obtain a share of such grant.”

A vote of thanks to the chairman of the meeting (Mr Fountaine) was proposed by Mr Prestidge, and carried. The attendance at the meeting was not so large as it otherwise would have been, owing to the inclement state of the weather, BEOADFIELDS. The usual annual meeting of householders in this district, took place on Monday the 12th. Owing to the inclement state of the weather, there was but a thin attendance. The chairman of the outgoing committee brought forward the report, which showed that the increase of attendance had been considerable. The school had been examined twice during the year satisfactorily.

The statement of accounts showing that the household rate collected was £4B 6s 5d The committee had a balance in hand of £7 16s.

The report and accounts of the outgoing committee was received and adopted. Mr Wm Craighead, the chairman of the outgoing committee, said the next business was the election of officers for the ensuing year, and in accordance with the Ordinance, he took the chair.

The following were then proposed and declared duly elected; Messrs Wm Craighead, J. Stevenson, R. Aiken, E. Boyd, R. Walters, and J. Connelly.

Messrs F. Marchant and S. Early were elected auditors.

At a meeting of the committee subsequently held, Mr Wm, Craighead was unanimously re-elected chairman. PREBBLETON. The annual meeting of householders was held in the schoolroom on Monday last. The Chairman submitted the report, which ran as follows : “There has been more meetings of the committee this last twelve months than there had been for the last three years previous. The cause of this was from the library being attached to the schoolroom had thrown a deal of extra work on the committee, and they were glad to state their efforts had been crowned with success, having one of the best library rooms, together with the stock of books, outside the metropolis. The library business and the removal of the late schoolmaster had been the cause of many of these extra meetings. The committee have every reason to be satisfied with their new master, Mr Comerford. The first day he held school there was an attendance of fifty-one children, a very considerable number above the average for some years, and four children attended that day that had not done so for three years previous. The committee pressed upon parents the desirability of more regular attendance, the attendance of this school being one of the worst in the province, neither giving the children or master a fair chance.”

The statement of accounts, as audited by the provincial and district auditors, was as follows;—Balance from last year, £l2 7a lid; grant for maintenance, £156; household rate, £7B; incidental receipts, £6—total £252 7s lid. Expenses—salaries, £156; repairs, £8 2s; books, £5; incidental expenses, £ll 3s. Balance in hand, £72 2s lid —total, £252 7s lid. The library accounts were submitted as under:—Receipts, £l7O 7s 7d. Expenditure —Cost of library, £132; carting, planting, &c, £10; incidental expenses, £32 8s sd, leaving the committee in debt to the amount of lOd.

The Chairman of the outgoing committee, Mr James Maskrey, said the next business was the election of a committee to serve for the ensuing year, and read the clause in the Ordinance appointing him chairman on this occasion.

The following were duly proposed and seconded, and declared duly elected:—Messrs J. Maskrey, E. Prebble, J. W. Anderson, J. Haydon, J. Donald, W. Smith, Harwood, Calder, and Cook. Messrs Leadley and W. Prebble were elected auditors.

A vote of thanks to the outgoing committee was carried by acclamation, and the meeting adjourned. At a meeting of the committee subsequently held, Mr James Maskrey was unanimously re-elected chairman for the ensuing year.

A letter was read from some householders requesting the committee to reconsider their decision prohibiting religious instruction to be taught by a minister during the school hours.

The committee, after some discussion, decided to adhere to their former decision. The Chairman stated that Mr Comerford had consented to act as librarian, and also that Mrs Comerford was willing to act as sewing mistress, which the committee accepted, subject to approval by the Board of Education.

A vote of thanks to the chairman, and the meeting adjourned.