HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1921, Page 4

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

.MONDAY, AUG. 1

The Committee met at 7.30 p.m. Present. —Mesrs W. IT. Shannon (Chairman), Aitken, Brace, Stevenson, Richards, Rev Purchas and Preston (Hon. Sec).

The minutes were confirmed and outward correspomlence approved.

JN WAR D (0R RFSPONDENCE

From T. K. V. Seddon, M.P., conveying letter from Hon C. J. Parr as follows: —

I have inquired into the question of permitting the Hokitika High School Board to devote its funds towards the local District High School as represented to the Mon 0. J. Anderson, Minister of Mines, on his recent visit to the West Coast. T find that amending legislation is not necessary to enable the Board to devote its income to the maintenance of the District High School as suggested. Section 87 of the (education Ad, 1914, provides that where a secondary school has not been established b; a High School Board the Minister of Education may on the advice of the Council of Education direct that the Board’s income shall be devoted in whole-or in part to the maintenance o the District High School in the locality. Unfortunately the Council of Education’s annual meeting is just over and the matter cannot he considered by it till next. year. In 1 lie- meantime, however, the Board should say how it proposes to utilize its funds for the benefit of the District High School.

In this connexion I would like to point out that the Hokitika High Sehoo' Board derives tin income of some €3O per annum from its own reserve, whirl is understood to consist of a house pro perty in Hokitika, and that the expenses in connexion with the properi;. for rates, taxes, repairs etc., appear to have amounted in 191!) to Loti and tin office expenses to over L 27. This position is unsatisfactory and 1 shall he glad to have suggestions from the Board will a view of relieving it from the posses sion of a reserve which is an encum brance and not a benefit.

—Received. Mr Bruce moved that ar application be made to the Education Council for a recommendation to tin Minister that the funds of Hokitika High School he placed at the disposal o! the Hokitika District High School fo; the benefit of Secondary classes.—Seconded by the Chairman and carried. From Education Board, notifying a month’s leave of absence for Mr Seebeck; stating inability to provide sub stitutc for Aliss haycock and asking that Mr Grant lie kept on, when Mr Scebeck returns.—Received.

From Rector, reporting flic roll number as 371 and average attendance 33-.9; stating the term holidays would commence at the end of the month: that Mr Scebeck had not been able yet to return to bis duties; complaining oi insufficient beating in Standard 3 men. and asking that a grate at the rcsidem-, be made into an open fireplace.--Re reived and approved. Mr Bruce suggested, in view of t! < weakness of the attendance that evert endeavour he made to interest the pa: cuts in keeping the attendance as lug : as possible.

Af;e; a short discussion the question was relencd to the Secretary to interview the Rector. From Visiting (iunmittee (Mr Richards) it porting on small matters iv quiring attention ami that the limit in of St. 3 cla loom was unsa t islactor;. that the tlooi : 11 I lie corridors require teiie'.'al in places. - Received and ad ini ed. Messrs Aitken and Burdins were appointed visitors for the period. Current accounts were pas'ed on pa\mciit.

In connection with any suggested railnay timetable alteration, .Messrs Bruce Preston, Aitken and the Chairman wen authorised to watch the interests of tin school.

The ('oiiiinitt.ee rose at 8.20 p.m