MEETINGS OF HOUSEHOLDERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1919, Page 1

MEETINGS OF HOUSEHOLDERS.

AT HOKITIKA

There was an attendance of about 60 householders present at the Town Hall, the sexes being about equally diyided. Mr James Paflk was voted to the chair and read the notification from the Education Board for the holding of the annual meeting and declared the meeting open. ANNUAL REPORT.

Mr A.. Aitken (Chairman of Committee) read the following report: At the annual meeting of householders held in the Town Hall on 23rd. April 1918, the following were elected as a Committee for the ensuing twelve months:—John Lloyd, A. Aitken, D. Stevenson, S. J. Preston, J. King, 1?. Parkinson, A. Bnnett, (Junr.), T. R. Hickson, and A. N. Harrop. During the year, nine ordinary meetings, and one special one were held. One ordinary meeting lapsed for want of a quorum, and one could not he. held because of the Epidemic .'Regulations. Early in the year Mr A. Bennett (Junr.) resigned owing to being transferred from Hokitika, and his place was filled by W. A. Shannon, an old Committeeman. Towards the end of the year our late Secretary, Mr A. N. Harrop died suddenly, and to his bereft children and relatives our sympathy was extended. His place was filled for the remainder of the year by ill- S. J. Preston. School Staff.—lmportant changes in the personnel of the teaching Staff have taken place during the year. Mr L. I'. Do Berry resigned the Rectorship in July and the vacancy thus made, has been filled by the appointment of Mr John Brunton, M.A., who comes to us well accredited. During the midsummer vacation Mr Henry Williams First Assistant in the High School tendered his resignation to go on the retired list, and his place lias been filled by the appointment of Mr James Niven, if.A., who also comes to .us with high credentials. School Bazaar.—Nearly twelve months ago the school held a -bazaar for sale of work etc., to raise funds to purchase a piano fr the schcfil and provide a grant towards the cost of extension of tlio Technical School buildings. The result was a grand success resulting in sufficient funds to pay £SO for an English piano, £IOO towards Technical School and a substantial balance in hand. Technical Education. —In June last an effort was made to start Technical Classes for pupils over 14 years of age a,nd your Committee together with representatives of Local Bodies were appointed Managers of the same, Mr L. F. Deßerry being appointed Director, on his subsequent resignation, Mr T. R. Hickson was temporarily appointed to the position. Classes for the following were commenced:—Woodwork, Dressmaking, Physical Culture French, Commercial Course and Engineer. The work was unfortunately interrupted by the Epidemic, but is being resumed immediately. The Epidemic.—Following on the glorious news of the signing of the Armistico on lltli. November last, and the practical cessation of hostilities in Europe came the Great Epidemic of sorrowful memory to many of our

fellow-citizens, and which resulted in the complete suspension of commercial and social activities for some weeks. Our School was requisitioned by the Health Authorities for use as a temporary Hospital and proved to be a veritable haven of refuge in time of National calamity. The closing of all schools till the end of the usual midsummer vacation caused a considerable if unavoidable, loss to our Scholars’ studies. Before the School buildings were handed hack to us, a thorough cleansing and fumigation was carried out under the personal supervision of the local Health Officer, Mr T. IV. Bruce.

School Attendance.—Since the opening of the school, this year (1919) the attendance, has been good and the total Roll number has gone up to 385. Parents and guardians are asked to assist in maintaining this important part of school work. An Audited Abstract of the School Fund is submitted to you herewith. — Received. The balance sheet for the year was also read showing receipts £177/3/9. Payments £l3l/10/7. Credit balance £45 113/2. Mr Blank moved the reception and adoption of the report and balance

sheet. Seconded by Mr Nightingale. The Chairman said he felt they could rest satisfied with the operations of the Committee during the year, Mr Valentine said ho would like to lay stress on the subject of technical education referred to in the report. It was a matter of vital importance and every care should be made to foster the movement, which was of great growing importance and he trusted that (be new Committee would follow in the footsteps of last year’s Committee, who were to be commended for the action taken. The Chairman endorsed the support to the technical movement and he commended it to the best attention ol the parents. The motion was then agreed to . Hon H. L. Michel moved a vute of thanks be accorded the outgoing Committee For their past services. 'I he report indicated that every attention had been given by the outgoing Committee during the past vetyr. Seconded by Hr A. B. King and carried. Mr Aitkcn moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Rector and gtalf lor their services during tile year. Mr I'. R.

Hickson seconded the motion which was carried by acclamation. Mr Brunton returned thanks on behalf of the staff. Since bo had taken charge matters from a number of causes had been somewhat disorganised, but ho felt* that even if some parents were not satisfied at present matters would continue to improve.

Mr Aitken referred to a circular iu connection with a hot lunches movement for the school children; also a circular from the Canterbury Schools Association on a number of matters affecting improvement of schools surroundings. There was one thing, continued Mr Aitken, that they did require and that was more room for their scholars in the school building. Mr Hickson moved that the Committee be recommended to arrange for a hot drink to be supplied country scholars during the winter months. Mr Valentine gave particulars of how hot lunches were run in South Canterbury Mr Preston seconded and strongly supported the motion, which was agreed to. The following were elected unopposed. —Messrs A. Aitken, D. Stevenson, S. J. Preston, J. King, It. Parkinson, T. It. Hickson, W. H. Shannon, W. E. Iticliards and F. W. Fedderscn. A vote of thanks of the chairman concluded the meeting.

The new Committee at once met. Mr A. Aitken was elected Chairman Mr J. King as Treasurer, Mr S. J. Preston as Secretary. Meeting night was fixed for the third Monday in the month. Messrs Stevenson and Richards were appointed visitors for the month. It was resolved to accede to the request of the Peace Day Committee to carry out Children’s Day arrangements on the lines laid down. Til© question of arranging for hot drinks for the children was referred to the Chairman, Mr Hickson, and the Rector to deal with. It was resolved to enquire from the Canterbury Board as to the correctness of a recent appointment. AT STAFFORD. (Our Own Correspondent.) Mr B. Lyons presided at the annual meeting of householders last night. The attendance was poor.

Having read the report of.the outgoing Committee and balance sheet the Chairman called for nominations for a new Committee. Only four consented to stand. —Messrs B. Lyons, W. M. Routhan, D. Behan, and J. Merewetlier, and were duly elected. Two ladies and two gentlemen declined to stand. At the first meeting of the new committee, Mr Lyons was elected Chairman and Mr. W. M. Routhati, lion, secretary and treasurer.

AT GREYMOUTH. The old Committee were re-elected unopposed as follows: —Messrs J. Tennet, W. Blair, L. Aldridge, -W. Parfitt, R. J. Williams, C. Orams, D. Macgregor, P. MacKenzie, and J. H. Weaver.