HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1917, Page 1

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MONDAY JUDY 53rd. A. special meeting of the cdh-.inititec has held at 8 p.ni. to doid with the appointment of a secretary, 'there wore present—Afessrs VL IJoJrd (Chairman) ]). Stevenstiii, -'WNjfooch, A. Bennett, T. R. Hick soil, A. Aitkon, J- King f S. J. Pi-estoh and A. N. Hafrop. ? Tile Chairman said the business was s the appointment of a secretary. Before dealing with the applications desired to make an explanation of his aet.ibh wjth tile proceedings that* took jdiiee at- last meeting. Ill' wished to state that he knew .- nothing of Mr Briggs Doing an applicant for (the secretaryship until just before the mt'oting. Had lie had a brief for Mr .Briggs ho would have pressed the motion carried at last meeting. As a matter of fact he had not eared to use Ills easting vote in view of the strong protest Made, not desiring \u 0n... any ill-feeling over the matter. He mentioned that' when the last appointment- of a secretary was made there were only seven, members present, but no objection was taken then to the hp-po-:ntrheht. tie did not desire to cause any friction, and therefore lie gave way at last meeting. It had been said outside that be was frightened rtf the meeting. This he denied. He would at all times do his duty as chairman without fear or favour. At tlio request of Mr Man-op that ■ (Kirtion of the minutes dealing with the ; resignation of tiie secretary and the | following procedure was read, t Mr Aitkon moved that no applications be opened and that tbe committee consider The appointhient of a member of the committee, to act an hon. sec. Seconded by Mr Preston. Mr Bennett asked wlmt was meant by the motion. Applications had been invited for tit© position and they should open them. Mr Stevenson asked if there was any member willing to act. Mr Harrop said lie was absent from last meeting, and as a result he- had been much canvassed in the interim. As far as ho could see the committee had only small funds to deal with and if the cost of secretary’s salary could be sayed thereby be would he quite willing to act m an honorary capacity. Mr Gooch thought they should have the applications opened. He ni o vru to that effect. Seconded by Air Bennett. Mr Preston said in view of Mr Harrop’s - offer lie moved that Mr Harrop be appointed honorary secretary, to tbe committee. .Seconded by Mi - King. Mr Gooch thought they should first know who the applications were from. ill’ Harrop said Jt was only for the purpose of conserving the funds that lie made Ms offer. He had no desire for the position, but simply offered on the score of economy. Mr Aitkon then withdrew his motion. The motion by Mr Gooch to open the applications, was then put and carried. Applications were then opened from the. following: Edith L. Knight, G. Maunder and Bessie Allen. Mr Preston then moved that Mr Harrop be appointed hon. sec. of the committee. Seconded by - Mr. Bennett. Mr Hickson said in view of Mr Aitkea being the first- to suggest the appointment of a member of the Committee as Secretary, he moved Mr. Ait-ken be asked to take the office. Mr. Aitken declined the offer, but stated he would give assistance to tbe Secretary if required, or the duties proved too onerous. The motion was tben past’and carried unanimously, Mr, Harrop to take up bis duties on August. Ist. The committee- them adjourned.