HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1928, Page 4

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

1 MONDAY, MARCH sth. The Committee met at 7 p.m. Pre2iit.—Rev. J. AY. Hayward (Chairlan), ATessrs J. Coulson, AA r . Clarke, f. H. Shannon, R. Redder, H. Swenv, AY. E. Richards, I*. Orr and .T. ’onning (lion, see.) Tlie minutes were eonfirmed and irrespmidence outward approved. 1X AY ARD COR RESPONDKNCE. Eroin Canterbury Board advising lie Foreman had been requested to eport on the requests made lor reairs; appointing Miss M. Bell as ssistant teacher.—Received. From Hospital Department notifyig that Air Foiihv, dental oliicer, ould take up his duties on Monday. —Received. DENTAL HYGIENE. From Canterbury Board enclosing the following circular from the Director of Dental Hygiene:“Letters of complaint from parents have reached me drawing my attention to a pernicious practice that prevails throughout . the Dominion. T refer to the distribution to the children of manufactured concentrated sugar in the form of sweets and highl\ sweetened cakes at all school breakups, picnics, parties, etc. In these days when so much thought is given and money expended by the Government in the best interests of the health of the children it is much to he regretted that these efforts are nullified to a great extent by. shall wo say. the mistaken kindness of local bodies, school committees, etc., in the manner in which I have indicated. Besides being very unfair to the Department concerned it must be extremey irritating and discouraging to sensible parents who are doing their best to bring up their children in a rational healthy manner. It. is considered that when local bodies, school committees, etc., do realise the g 1 cat harm that is done to the health of the children by such toodstufls they will co-operate with the Department in the interests of the children by itl im mating Such and substituting food to which exception cannot be taken. AYith regard to the work of my Department, it is surely absurd for the Government to train dental nurses for the purpose not only ol providing expensive dental treatment for children, but also of instructing parents and children in the methods of preventing denial disease, it local bodies, school committees, and others are going to do their best to assist in producing the disease. I trust your Board will see its way to bring this very important matter before all school committees in your district in the hope that they will cooperate with, us in our endeavours on behalf of the children of the Dominion.—Received. The A'isiting Committee (Rev. Hayward and Mr Swency) reported conditions at the school were looking very satisfactory; reporting minor requirements.— Received. From Rector (Air E. Partridge) reporting the average attendance was 272.7 primary and Itl.l secondary, and roll number '_!!l2 and 1)7. Aliss Bniee was returned to the stall' and Air Reid started to-day as secondary assistant. At the swimming trials, ‘2-1 scholars secured 50 yards cor Ilea tes, 21. 220 yards, and 21. 880 yards, a total of 72 who secured certificates. The school picnic was held last Wednesday at- (Ireymoiil h. Owing to the inunler attractions the school picnic spoils were not held. I lie annual school sports will be held on Cass Square this month.—Received. H was resolved to procure a gramophone as recommended at a previous meeting by the Rector. Accounts as tabulated were passed for payment. Messrs Orr and Shannon were appointed visitors. Tn connection with the annual picnic. a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Hon Secretary (Air J. Conning) for his successful eflort.s in this connection. The Committee rose at 8.30 p.m.