HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1920, Page 4

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MONDAY MAY 10th., 1919,

The Committee met last evening at 7.30 o’clock. Present—Messrs W. H. Shannon (Chairman), D. Stevenson, F. \Y. Foddersen, J. Lloyd, W. E. Richards, A, Aitken, T. W. Bruce, Rev. Purohas, and S. J. Preston (ActingSecretary). The minutes were continued and outward correspondence approved.

INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From T. Robinson, suggesting tenders bja Invited for supplies required at school.—Received. After discussion it was resolved to take no action. From Federated School Committees Association, inviting application to join Federation.—Received. From N- Z. Educational Institute Napier, in reference to attitude taken on the question of moving pictures, as affecting children. — Received; Mr. Bruce moved that the Committee considered that the pictures at present shown were not conducive to the good of the children or adults and that the Education Department . should act as censors of all pictures. Seconded by Rev. Purchase, who agreed that pictures ns at present shown were not at all (edifying, and that special programmes should he shown for children. Tile motion was agreed to. From Canterbury Board, agreeing to pay half cost of water supply charges.— Received. From Teacher, South Spit, reporting average attendance as boys 8.0 girls 8.3 total 16.3 out of roll number of 18; notifying some repairs required to the chimneys and renewal of swing.—Received; requirements to lie referred to the Overseer.

From J. R, Brunton (Rector) reporting average attendance boys, primary 144.9 secondary 22.9; a total of 166.8. Girls, primary 146.9, secondary 33.4; total 180. Grand total 348.25 out of of a roll number of 380; enclosing a belated report on the Secondary school of last September; that Mrs Withers has agreed to take charge of the dressmaking classes • that the cocoa club had been again established for the winter.—Received.

From Same: —I have been handed a copy of a complaint lodged with your Committee by a parent, against a member of the Staff. Upon enquiry I find that for careless work which would merit punishment in a much lower class than St. 4 one stroke with the strap was given. I fail to see evidence of undue severity here. I think that, as Head of the School, complaint should have been - made to me personally in the first instance. I wish also to protest against the publication of a teacher’s name in connection with any charge, a t least until that charge is substantiated. Otherwise, not only docs that teacher suffer a grave injustice, but for those responsible for fjucli publication serious complications may ensue.—Received and considered satisfactory.

T'lk> Visiting Committee (Rev. Rureliiis and Mi- Lloyd) reported in favor of asking the Health Inspector to visit the school and to report as to the accommodation specially of St. V and VI ; recommending several small matters be attended to.—Received and ..adopted. Mr Preston moved that a bicycle shed be erected on the eastern side of the shelter sheds. Seconded by Mr Bruce and carried. Mr Preston moved that the School close on Tuesday afternoon and reopen on Monday May 24th. Seconded by Mr Bruce and carried. A number of matters in connection with the Prince’s visit were dealt with and action asked for taken. Small accounts were passed for payment. It was resolved that a deputation consisting of Messrs Shannon, Aitken Purchas, Lloyd and ■ Preston wait on the High School Board in connection with the request for the erection of a hostel, and High School, and supply of a secretary. Seconded by Mr Stevenson and carried. Messrs Bruce and Aitken were appointed visitors for the month. The Comniittee rose at 9.10 p.m.