CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1926, Page 4

CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

AIONTHLY AIEETING. At the Board meeting on Friday the appointment of Aliss J. Millner (sole toucher) to the Lower Kokatahi school, was confirmed. 'I he Building Committee reported that, as the outcome of a report by .Messrs Wild and Banks, concerning the application of the Rangiora School Committee for numerous requirements at the school, it was resolved to inform the committee that the rebuilding of the school would occupy tho fifth position on tile Board’s list of urgent works fur the current financial yea”. Authority was given for the provision of five slow combustion stoves.

It v.Us reported by the Appointments Committee that it had been advised by the Education Department in reply to a letter in respect of -lental clinics, that the time was not opportune to establish travelling clinics. ■ An application was received for the institution of a conveyance contract for. the Alt. Fyffe (Kuikoura) children. It was resolved that no action could he taken unless a reasonable contract could bo arranged. A petition was received from, residents of Little River regarding the Institution of conveyance. • contract. Consideration was deferred pending a reply from the Department regarding Hokitika, oil receipt of which the ie.sidents would be asked whether any assistance could be given locally. A deputation from the Lyndliurst Committee waited on the committee regarding extra, assistance towards a conveyance contract. It was pointed out that representation had already been made to the Department, and it was resolved to await the reply, and to make further representations if

A report was received from visiting members reg.ruling the conveyance of pupils to Allentou. A letter was also received from Air Curd, representing outside interests, objecting to the decision of the meeting. It was resolved that the report be adopted, .the Winehmofo school to remain open. The consideration of a school plantation endowment scheme prepared by the Forestry Department, and submitted .through the Education Department, asking for constructive criticism, held over from last meeting, was carefully .gone into. It was recommended that tho amended report, as drafted by tho committee he forwarded to tho Education Department. LOCAL MATTERS. The following who were recommended as commissioners to pet as school committees were appointed : Bruce Bay. R. Thompson ; Goldshornugii, R. Roberts and Steel ; Humphreys, G. Lopas and G. Hewitt; Koktri. R. Newman; Kumnra Junction, J . Alelirtons; Stafford, B. Lyons.

The Buildings Committee reported inter alia : The Evans Creek Committee renewed its application for the establishment of a permanent school on the following grounds:—Tho house where the school is being held was given on the understanding that a permanent school would lie proceeded with. AYithin a month or so the attendance will reach nine. It was resolved to review the position at the end of the year.

Hokitika.—A report was presented liy Air 11. Wild, in regard to the Committee’s application for the erection of a new fence around tho school, and painting the exterior of the building. It was decided to make a grant up to .Cel for fencing the grounds, and to give the Committee the use of the old material. The Committee was given power to carry out the work to the Board’s satisfaction. It was further ■decided to repair the spouting at the shelter shed at a cost of £3. Authority was given for the renovation of one class-room during the Christmas holidays. The question of painting the exterior of the school is to be held

The Okuru Commissioner wrote reporting that temporary repairs had been effected at the school, the account for which would he forwarded to the Hoard in due course. It was decided to pass the account for payment on receipt. The Committee applied for a grant of CIO to assist in filling in a large and dangerous pit in the centre of the school ground. It was resolved to make a grant of Co. 'Correspondence. was received from the Committee regarding the rebuilding of the school. It, was resolved to refer the matter to the foreman, with a view of erecting a new school and the necessity for same, the foreman, with a view to obtaining his report whether it would ho advisable to build a school of concrete or, timber. J

Otira.—The Committee’s application for attention to shelter shed, which lias developed a decided lean, and the removal of the wood shed to a more sitahle site, as it is proposed to asphalt the centre of the parade ground, was approved.

Stafford.—Further consideration was given to the question of clearing the residence ground of gorse and blackberries. Ultimately it was resolved to refer the matter to the foreman for a report. It was also resolved to draw the Appointments’ Committee’s attention to the fall in the average attend-

ance. Hokitika.—A letter was received from the Committee regarding the conveyance of pupils from the South Spit. It was resolved to ask . the Department to state definitely to what extent it would assist financially in arranging the conveyance contract. School Medical Officer’s report.—Dr Bnker-McLnglnn reported on the result of diphtheria tests at Hokitika and in other parts of the district. 672 children had, been completely examined, 139 partially examined, 101 parents interviewed, -1 addresses had been given, and 11 .schools examined. The report was adopted. Attendance Officers’ reports.—Air Mackny (West Coast) reported having visited 14 schools, sent out 25 notices to parents, and interviewed 13 parents. Air Johnston reported for June-July.-The following schools have been visited :—Cobden, Arntika, Kaiata, Nelson Creek, Runanga (two visits), Kokin. Arahura lload. Paroa, Kotuku, Koiterangi and Greymouth. Work is progressing satisfactorily in most places. The weather conditions were much better than they were last month. The attendance of teachers at Saturday classes has been very satisfactory. All the students are doing good work. Prizes given by the Forestry Department for the liest work in forestry were won by Arahura Poad and Ruru. As the tree-planting season approaches, I am receiving applications for trees from several schools. These will be supplied mostly by the 'Forestry Department. As regards afforestation areas, adjoining or near the school grounds, 1 should he pleased tr have the Board’s decision re expenses for fencing such plots. Last season the Arahura Rond Committee erected some chains of fence, thinking The cost would he met by the Education Board. This. I understand, lias been rqfnsed. 1 reported on similar areas sociable for tree planting at Parrytown and Rotomanu. Fencing would be necessary in both cases, but certain committee will not have funds for t 7 purpose. Herein lies one of the weaknesses of school afforestation schemes. However willing school committees and schools may lie to co-operate with the Forestry Department in the laudable work of afforestation, seldom does

public spirit go as far as providing funds for protective fences, even if it does volunteer free labour. A decision by tlie Board ou this point, will remove any doubt and consequent misunderstanding. The root growing competition this season, on account of adverse weather conditions, has not heeu so successful as last year. Aiang failed altogether, carrots were poor, and turnips gave the best results. Specimens from the best plots were exhibited at ' the Kokatahi Winter, Show held last month. Tn size and quality, they compared very favourably with those shown by farmers. The best turnip lots were grown by Jean Cooper (Camerons), Rose and Jim Perring (Kumara), P. J. Fitzgerald and K. Bradley (Ikamatua), while P. J. Fitzgerald’ and E. Bradley bad the best crop of carrots. As judges, we noticed the quality of the turnips was better than at last year, showing that it was not altogether the wet that caused rooting. The report was adopted.