HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1917, Page 4

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Monday, November 19.

The Committee met at 7.30 p.m. Piesent—Messrs J. Lloyd (Chairman), D. Stevenson, A. Aitken, S. J. Preston, A. Bennett, T. R. Hickson, J. King, and A. N. Harrop (Hon Secretary). All apology was made for the absence of Mr Gooch. The minutes were read and confirmed and outward correspondence approved.

INWARD CORRESPONDENCE

From Canterbury Education Board, notifying that result of school examination had been sent on as soon as possible.—Received. From Same, enclosing examination result ofVictoria District High School, of a highly satisfactory nature. —Received. The Chairman expressed his gratification at the excellent results. He moved a letter of thanks be forwarded to the Rector aud staff at the excellent report. —Seconded by Mr Aitken who said he was very proud ot the position of the school. Mr Preston supported the motion which was complimentary to the Rector and staff, and also the scholars. Mr Bennett supported the motion expressing appreciation : of the sports promoted under his care. The motion was then agreed to. Mr de Berry thanked members for their vote. He was proud of the position the school held this year, in spite of the many absences owing to illness of teachers. It had been a strenuous year but be was glad to know the results had been so satisfactory. In regard to the school sports it had his full support, and he was glad to be able to state the success of the school in holding the Wriglit-Stephenson cup for the second year aud were also winners of the West Coast Junior seven aside tournament. From Canterbury Board, stating that as the attendance of Hokitika school had fallen to an average of 274 it would be necessary to dispense with the services of Mrs M. Dale on January 31st, unless the average attendance for the year had improved.—Received ; left with Rector to attend to, Mr de Berry stating that if the average was kept uj) to 291 for the quarter, the teacher’s services would be retained. From Miss M. Case}', resigning position as assistant at Hokitika District .High School, having received an appointment under Taranaki Board; to terminate on January 31st.—Received, and ordered to be sent on to the Canterbury Board It was resolved on the recommendation of the Rector, that the Board be asked to ' give preference in making the appointment of a teacher able to teach home science and French.

From the Rector, reporting aver age attendance for month as 292.; primary and 53.2 secondary, a tota of 345.5, out of a roll number o 364.6, and notifying absence o several teachers from various causes Enclosing list of requirements ii connection with rural course.—Re ceived. It was resolved that appli cation be made to the Board fpr th< necessary buildings and require merits. From Same, recommending tha the High School Board be asked t< appoint a teacher for commercia classes in commercial correspond ence and typewriting, shorthanc and bookkeeping.—Received ant agreed to From Same, reporting success o school football teams during th< season. —Received.

Mr Moodie, instructor of Rural Science, waited on the Committee in connection with the necessary works required for the proposed course. It was proposed to have an experimental plot about 200 x 70 feet. He had outlined in a covering letter the requirements needed. Mr de Berry who was also present outlined the proposed scope of operations for the coming year, giving particulars at considerable length and also the requirements tor the commencement of a laundry class for the High School next year.

After general discussion it was resolved to approach the, Board for the necessary accommodation for the rural course and the laundry class.

Authority was given for preparatory work to be carried out on the site of the experimental plot. From Rector, recommending a number of improvements to the grounds be carried out during the mid-summer vacation.—Received.

From Same, enclosing £7 13s 6d, the net result of the school sports, which with subsidy could be used for the improvement of the school grounds.—Received. From Education Board, enclosing charge for half cost of water supply. —Received; referred to Chairman to enquire into.

Accounts amounting to £9 7s 6d were passed for payment. , The Visiting Committee (Mr Preston) reported on a number of matters requiring attention. —Received and approved. It was resolved to ask the Board to complete the fencing of the grounds from the main gate. Messrs Bennett and King were appointed visitors for the month. The Committee rose at 9.45 p.m.