HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1924, Page 4

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

MONDAY, APRIL 7th. The Committee met at 7.30 p.m. Present:—Rev. A. C. l’urchas (Chairman). Messrs G. lleiuz, W. Richards, W. Shannon, R. Wells W. Ms,, way. Apologies for absence were made for Messrs Lloyd amPStevenson. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. LYWARI) CORRESPONDENCE. From Christchurch K.S.A. v rc Anzac Day essay competition, which was to he held again this year:—Received. From Hon W. F. Massey, stating in regard to request for remission of duty on school war memorial, that ho regretted the request could nut be granted.—Received. From Sanatorium Workers’ Guild, Christchurch appealing for donations from school children of one penny each towards fund for cousumptivo home for children.—Received; no action taken owing to Board’s bye-laws. From Education Board, stating annual elections would he held on 28th. at Town Hall ; approving of leave of absence for Miss Wallace for three mouths.—Received.

Front Rev J. Jack renewing his appicatioii lor use of school and referring to interviews with Chairman and Rector.—Received. The Chairman stated that there was apparently some misunderstanding as to the nature of the request. Mr Wells moved that the request be granted. Mr Heinz seconded stating he thought that no great harm would be done. Mr Shannon asked did Mr Irvine think the proposal was in the interests of the children. They were there as a school committee. It would be detrimental to the school children to allow tile school to be used. He was strongly opposed to the proposal. The school needed all the fresh air that was possible, especially at the present juncture, when there was so much sickness about. Mr Richards was opposed to the proposal and objected to the making of a precedent.

'J’he Rector stated, ho had no further objection to the proposal than he had voiced last meeting, lie did not think the proposal would he for tile good of the children. Mr Wells said there was no objection made to allowing the use of the school for Exhibition purposes. Mr Shannon objected to Mr Well’s statement as incorrect ns the proviso was made subject tn conditions that assured the safety of the scholars.

The motion was altered to read that the resolution refusing the request passed at last meeting he rescinded, a fid was agreed to, Mr Shannon object-

nig. Mr Heinz moved that the usetofthc school he granted for the use of the young ladies, subject to the school being handed over in good order. Seconded by Mr Wells. Mr Mnckay said there was no danger to the children. The motion was agreed to. From teacher, South Spit, reporting roll number as 24 and average attendance. 22.2; approving of suggestion for making the school garden smaller by altering the fence.—Received and request approved, the committee to assist tl e master and scholars. RECTOR’S REPORT. From the Rector (Mr T. Irvine) reporting the roll number was 367 primary, and 77 secondary, a total of 444, the average attendance being 340.7 nd 75.3, a total of 416. The attendance, although quite satisfactory. lias been to some extent interfered with by an outbreak of diphtheria, one case'in a family being sufficient to exclude the whole of that family from attendance. There is a proposal to send an excursion to Canterbury to ;,ee the warships which will be in Lyttelton early next month. I have enquired from senior pupils as to the number likely to avail themselves of such an opportunity. 104 have signified their willingness to go, out of which number 73 will be provided for by friends in Christchurch. If the trip is arranged I should not recommend that the school be closed, but those who make the trip could be marked present, as the excursion would be an educational one.

Mr Wells moved that'. the Committee make every endeavour to send the school children to Canterbury. Seconded by Mr Heinz. The motion was agreed to subject to tiie Rector being able to make satisfactory arrangements for suitable teachers to accompany the scholars. The Visiting Committee (Mr Richards) reported on matters requiring attention.—Received.

From Citizens Bible in Schools Committee, Christchurch, in connection with Bible Reading in schools.—Received; consideration deferred to next •meeting. Accounts were passed for payment and the meeting rose at 8.20 p.m.