HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1917, Page 4

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of the Hokitika School Committee was held last evening at 7.30. o’clock. Present Messrs*. J. Lloyd (Chairman), W. Gooch, A. Harrop, D.-Stevenson, A. Bennett, T. R. Hickson, A. Aitken, J. King, and S. Preston. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and outward borrjespondence approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Woodstock committee, joining tjie Association.—(Received. From Education Board thanking this Committee for support in connexion with the rural course.—Received. From 'Same in connection with the ap pointment of a Truant officer.—Received.—lt was resolved to again ,write "ta the Board urging the appointment of a Truant office for this' District. From Same granting Miss D. O'smers four weeks’ leave of absence.—Receiv-

ioui weens leavo ui awocuiic. — ed. From Same forwarding 'application from Miss Casey for the position of assistant Mistress at the Hokitika High School and stating that the Board proposed to appoint Miss Casey, to the position,—Received.—After some discussion in regard to the powers* of the Committee it was resolved that the Board be written to asking that 'in future the qualifications of the other applcants be sent to the Committee, when there are more than one applicant for any position. From yame stating that Mr. Bignpll the Board’s Overseer had been instructed that as far as possible he was to employ local labour for any work re-' qtiired to be done at any of the schools in the district.—Received.

From Rector Hokitika High School forwarding application by Miss. Willetts for three months’ leave, of absence owing to illness.—Received and request granted. From Wataroa 1 Committee joining School Committee’s Association, and asking Committee to appoint a delegate.—Received and Mr. James King appointed as delegate. From Bruce Bay Committee asking that Mr. Valentine be appointed as their delegate to association.—Received and request granted. From Okuru Committee rejecting resolution re abolishment of Education Boards.—Received. From teacher South Beach, stating that the average attendance for April was 24 out of a roll number of 26, also stating that the grounds needed attention.—Received. From the Rector reporting an ar*rvage attendance of 325 for the month— Received. From Rector Hokitika High School, reporting that during the month official visity were paid the School by Dr. E„ Baker, (Medical Inspector) and Miss Gore-Martin, and Mr. H. E. Longworth (Physical Inspectors) and reporting that last year Dr. Baker and Mr. Longworth placed in a special squad about 20 children who needed special physical treatment. When th© Inspectors visited the school a fortnight ago, they found that the corrective exercises had proved so beneficial that these children were no longer suffering from the physical disabilities noted a year ago.—Received. From same stating that it had been. customary for the school to observe Empire Day as a holiday and suggesting that the custom be observed this year, and inviting members to attend proposed celebrations at school on that day.—Received. It way resolved *et to observe a holiday on Empire Day, but that the Rector be asked trt have the usual salute of the flag carried out by the children, and that he be also asked to address them on patriotism. It was also resolved that a holiday be observed on June 4th for the King’s Birthday. From same reporting various small requirements at school.—Received.

It was to apply to the Canterbury Education Board for subsidy on voluntary contributions. The visitors report for the month pointed out that several necessary works at the school had not yet received attention.—Received. It was resolved to inform the Board that these matters required immediate attention, and to aga'in point out that it was small matters such as these that the Government wished to have power to deal with. The date of the meeting of delegates to the School Committees Association was fixed for June 21st and Mr. A Aitken was appointed delegate for Hokitika. i Messrs Lloyd and Gooch were appointed visitors for the month. Accounts amounting to £7 8s were passed for payment. Mr. J. King by leav e moved that “The Canterbury Education Board bo. asked to endeavour to arrange that nominations for the election of members of School Committees close at least three days prior to the day of such election.—Seconded by Mr. Harrop and carried. This concluded the business and the meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the chair.