MEETING OF HOUSEHOLDERS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1927, Page 1

MEETING OF HOUSEHOLDERS

AT HOKITIKA There was an attendance of forty householders at the Town Hall hist evening. Mr dames King was voted to the chair. Tito minutes ot la-6 annual meeting were road and ronfirmetl. ANNUAL REPORT. 1 have the honour to submit tie annual report of the iiinimilt e tor i::e past year:— A* the annual moating on April gl.tli last the following gentlemen were dieted us members of the eommitt •: Messrs F. H. Clarke, -I tunning. -I. I . CPills in. W. d. I!.esc lor. li. .J. Redder. :j. .1. Preston. W. E. Richard:.. W 11. .-'hannoii and H. W. R. Swcimy. At the first meeting bald immediately alter Mr 11. W. R. Sworn y wielected chairman. Mr d. ((.lining, rotary, and Mr lia-eler. treasurer. Staff —The inspector’s animal report shows the school has made good progress during the year and has ron.'ied a higher state of efficiency th:r: has dun* lor Mime time past. 'I hi- i more, mwrilorious when Llle amount *1 shknoss experienced during the y. is considered which ctfoi i d the alt. udance of both scholars and -In*’ csoirSally the former. During the year the average attendant o and roll nr. her dropped to such an extent trot tile existing stall' could tint he maintained and the Assistant Master, Mi li. I). Smith, was advised in duly t’ hold himself in readiness lor trausi •: to a similar position. Grounds —A considerable sum <u money has been raised by yoi.i <'Mini ittee lor Hie improvement id ltgrounds and the inspector and \isilois have commented very lavourahlv o' l the marked improvement in the seho il grounds. A concrete cricket, pitch lias recently hcc-n laid down which was niuc.li needed for the popular summer game. On September 15 the annual school fair was held and over £<9 taken which with a subsidy of £ lord) enabled much of tho works mentioned above to he carried out and your committee desire to thank all concerned for the henity co-operation and cheerful assistance given at all times.

(South Spit School—On November Ist this sclniol became merged with the Hokitika, District High School, the pupils hieing conveyed by motor service to and from school as in other parts of the district.

Grey mouth District, High School Golden Jubilee—The above auspicious ovont took place on October -Oth and your committee was represented by the secretary and myself, and the school by Mr 11. I). Smith (assistant master). The occasion was marked by the attendance of Old Boys and Girls from all over New Zealand and also by one of the finest displays held in Grevniouth.

Annual Picnic—The annual school excursion was hold this year at. Rapahoc, and in spite of threatening weather early in the day passed off very happily and successfully. The place was selected by ballot by the parents from three others li.v a large majority.

Sports--Football—The seven-a-side tourney was held on Cass Square on Juno 3 and School played well. Shrimps: School A team won this section. Third Grade: School A were beaten in final by Rimu by .3 points. The School Primary team won the Shield presented by the Rugby Unions of the A Vest Coast for the second time. Westport being the holders for the 19:21 competitions. The handsome shield was presented by the chairman of the Westland Sub-Union (Mr F. Alcflregor) on May 14th. Teams of basket hall (girls) and football (hoys) from Westport and lieefton played friendly matches with Hokitika in good weather. The visitors were entertained and billeted and enjoyed their trips to the lakes and other sights of interest. Swimming—Marked progress has been made this year liv the schol.u's in swimming. Owing to the fine summer, classes have been held during school hours, and the carnivals held in the evening have been well attended and competed in successfully by the hoys and girls. The interest taken by the rector and teachers in promoting this sport is a pleasing feature. Duke’s Visit—lt was regrettable that the Royal visit to Hokitika was marred by wet weather which caused the stay of the Royal part to be curtailed. Nevertheless the children had a. good view of Hi a Royal Highness and most of the teaching staff were presented. The Duke expressed his pleasure and interest in the New Zealand emblem—the fern—being used in lieu of the flag. He desired to he shown the dhildron who had come so far from South Westland. Finance—The credit balance on March Ist, 1920, was £3O 2s 4(1; receipts. £IBO Os; and the expenditure for the year £203 Os lid, leaving a balance of £7 15s. The prize fund shows a. debit balance of £7 Os Gd, the receipts being donations £0 4s Od and cash takwt at social £8 4s, while the expenditure was £2l 9s. The credit balance from the social was £2 19s Id. General—By the exercise of strict economy the committee has boon able to pay its way. The allowance is really not sufficient to enable the committee to spend as much as it would like on its various services such as heating, cleaning and equipment. With tho aid of a grant from the High School Board, the school has been able to institute commercial classes and it is to be "hoped that it, may be possible to extend these advantages for the young people of the town am district. They are fulfilling a valuable educational service, inasmuch they are encouraging pupils to remain at sclioo for a longer period than would otheiwise he the case. Credit must he given to the caretakers (Mr and Mrs H. Davis) for the personal interest taken in the scholars and school at all times ad are ever courteous and obliging. I desire to thank the members of vonr committee for the gentlemanly manner they have conducted the business during the year, and the interest shown. Practically full attendances (with the exception of two or three unavoidable absences) have been recorded. Although members have not agreed on all matters of details, each and all have done what he or they thought best in the interest welfare and the happiness of the school and scholars.—Received and adopted. , The Chairman reported that of ten nominations received. Mr S. J. Heston had withdrawn, leaving nine members. Mr Preston declining to withdraw his withdrawal, the following were declared elected—Messrs F. Clarke, J. Conning J. P. Coulson, Rev. Hayward, F. Orr, K. J. Pedder, W. E. Richards, W H. Shannon and H. R- Swetiey. RECTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT. I have pleasure in submitting the

following brief report on the work ol the school for the the past year. Attendance—The average attendances for the year 1920 were: Primary. 2SO; Secondary. 53; as compared with Primary. 322: and Secondary. 5(. lor the ycaY 1925. The decrease in the primary roll was due to the removal of many pupils from Hokitika. and appears to be connected with the industrial slump at present nllectiiig the district. The pi.-ot roll ue.mk: are: Primary. 301: • onibiry. 89. (o wards end of !a-i vear the Fotiti' Spit school v. a> closed and arnr gv me ll ls were made for the convey:'ire of the 11 pupils to tins sclmol. in: decrease in average attendance ms reduced the status of tile school Ire Grade sc: to 5b and has resulted m cL • loss of an assistant. Mr H. D. Smith, who was transferred to Christchurch at the end of la-' ’-car. A\hi-< it is gratifying to note that the great majority of parents appreciate then responsibility in the matter ol sending their children to school regularly, there arc unfortunately still some who 1 - quire the application of tho compel- ay clauses of Lhe Education Act to induce them to fulfil their obligations. | should like again to impress upon parents the necessity for sending in or children regularly, not only to ensure their making the maximum progress, but also to safeguard the tehool’s status and efficiency.

Stall—Mr li. D. Smith was transferred to Christchurch at the end of the year.

Miss Hell, substitute assistant, led last month on promotion to Kumara. Miss E. M. Pedder and Miss N. Al. Ilavill. probationers. 1- ft at tho beginning of this year to continue their studies and training at the Christchurch Training College. Miss T. G. Vealo, probationer. was appointed at the logining of this year. The increase in tlm roll number in the Secondary Department, at the beginning of the year warranted the appointment of a third assistant ami Miss A. D. Reid has filled this vacancy since February.

Examination Results —-Olio pillowing is a summary of the results of the various public examinations hold during the vear: “D” certificate 1, N M. Haviil; Partial “D” 2. K. E. Thompson and J. Dixon ; one group •‘D’’ 1. M. Irwin; Higher Leaving Certificate 1. J. Dixon; Matriculation 1, M. Irwin; Public Service Entrance 3, IT. Thiele, R. King and J. Richards; Senior Free Places 10; Junior National Scholarship 5 passes, Anderson, Perry, Perkins, Shannon and Wallace; Proficiency Certificate 30; Competency 2. Athletics—The various organised games were played during their respective seasons. Football: The school senior team won the local Third Grade competition and were runners-up in the seven-a-side tournament. The “A team won the 8 stone district school- competition. Swimming: A. swimming carnival was held early this year and proved highly successful. O'er id pupils qualified for distance certificates ranging from 25 yards up to 2250 yards. Sports: Another innovation, in the form of a school sports meeting was introduced last month and was a distinct success, the team competitions arousing keen interest among the pupils. Cricket . A concrete pitch has been laid clown in the play ground and should give a fillip to cricket next year. Basket ball, tennis, and rounders were also played during the year but the lack of local competition in these games is keenly fell. Commercial Classes—This. year a Commercial course was instituted and the High School Board has purchased six new typewriters and has arranged the payment of tuition fees for an instructress in shorthand and tv ping (Mrs [.initiate!'). This course, affording instruction in shorthand, typing, book-keeping and other commercial subjects, has proved very popular, no fewer than 35 pupils taking this branch of work. Official Visits— During the year the usual inspection visits wore made by the school medical officer, the physical drill instructors and th'e Inspector of Schools. Mr Irwin. The reports ol all these officials were entirely satilVtorv. that of Inspector Irwin on the school’s efficiency being highly commendatory. Fair—The annual fair, organised by the staff with the assistance of tho committee, was held in September ami resulted in over £7O being raised for ground improvements and class libvaries.

Library—An important adjunct to the school’s efficiency was added last year in the form of class libraries. These will be extended as funds permit and will become a valuable school asset.

Furniture— During the year much of the old furniture was replaced by new drti.il and single desks of the latest design. ail cl the school is now almost completely equipped with new furniture.

'llia nks—l have to express my thanks to the members of the staff for their conscientious and loyal assistance during the year, to the school committee for the attention they have given to all matters affecting the efficiency of the school, and finally to tho parents for the measure of co-opera-tion they have afforded the teaching staff in their efforts lor the welfare and progress of the children. In conclusion 1 would appeal to the parents for a continuance of that cordial support and co-operation which does so much to make the lot of both pupils and teachers happier, and without which no school can attain that high degree of efficiency we all set before ourselves as tbe ideal.—Received. Mr Preston moved a very hearty vote of thanks be accorded the Rector and staff. Supported by Messrs Coulso and Swcnev and carried by acclamation. Air Partridge acknowledged the vote.

Air Preston moved that the Minister of Education be notified that this meeting of householders was of opinion that teachers should not be transferred after the first three months of tbe school year. Agreed to. Rev. Hayward moved a vote of thanks to the retiring committee. Carried bv acclamation. A vote'of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting. The new Committee then met when Rev. J. W. Hayward was elected Chairman. Mr ,T. Conning, secretary, and Air AV. E. Richards, treasurer. The first Monday in each month at 7 p.m. was fixed for the night of meeting Rev. Hayward and Mr Orr being appointed first visitors. Several matters in collection with tbe grounds were dealt .with. Air Richards moved a vote of thanks for past services be accorded Afessrs Preston and Haseler, retired members. Seconded by Mr Clarke and carried. The meeting then terminated,

AT WOODSTOCK. The following were elected a Committee Messrs E. Stoop (Chairman), R. O. Wells (Secretary), A. Rogers. F. Hvndman and E. J. Wells. AT OHEV.MOrm. Messrs J. Tennenl, R. M illiams, . Scott. 11. Herring, A. Oliver, R. Barrowman, W. Fairmaid. 0. Herring and W. Smytlio were returned without an election. .Mr M. Barrowman was later appointed Chairman.