MEETING OF HOUSEHOLDERS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1929, Page 3

MEETING OF HOUSEHOLDERS

TO ELECT SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

AT HOKITIKA

The annual meeting of householders Twas held hist evening at the Town. 'Hall. Mr James King was voted to the chair and there was an attendance of nearly 100 householders; 1 £ The minutes of last annual meeting 1 were read and confirmed. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. Your Committee have the honour to report that the past year has been a particularly busy one and that considerable progress has been made in improving the school grounds and buildings. About 800 loads of sand and soil have been purchased and used in the levelling down of about one acre in lawn. About GO loads of beach gravel have also been procured and spread on various parts of the grounds. About 3 chains of curbing have been laid to give the lawn a finished appearance and also a concrete platform has been erected to replace the unsightly wooden structure near the flagpole. The front gates and fences along the garden plots have been given' a coat of paint and altogether the school frontage presents a very pleasing appearance.

Your Committee, jnade to the Education Board on various matters that needed attention and were instrumental in getting some very necessary work done, the principal item being the demolishing, during the summer holidays; of the boys and girls lavatories, and up-to-date, hygienic buildings were erected on the same sites. This work was badly needed, and the buildings present quite a tidy appearance as well as being a decided acquisition as far as the health of the children is concerned. The Hoard also provided a now range in the caretaker’s cottage, repainted the woodwork and technical rooms, 'and also repainted the roof of the main JUmiklings. In, this connection, we wish to express our appreciation to Air It. Wild, who assisted your committee in every possible way in all matters referred to the Education Board. In the rear of the school, in the playing area, several unsightly stumps were removed and about oO loads of sand were used in levelling the football: ground. Air T. Coyle gratuitously mowed the long grass on this ground,: on two occasions and your committee wish to express their thanks to him for his kind services. Through the good offices of Air T. E., Y. Soddon, a supply of ornamental shrubs were obtained troni the 1101I 1 01 es-j try Nursery at AVoodstoek, and Air AlcOavock arranged for his staff to: plant the trees around the school grounds. In the years to come this should still further enhance the beauty a gj' the school grounds. ] During the year a deputation from, your committee waited upon the High School Board of Governors for a grant; towards the school funds and woroj successful in being granted £3O. This

sum was of great help and it is rocom-; mended that the new committee make; a similar application next year. i Several minor improvements wore; made in the interior of the school, thoj principal one being the furnishing of. the Teachers’ lloom. The ladies ol the committee were particularly helpful in doing this work and a great improvement was made in the comtoit and appearance of the room. The School Fair was again very successful this year, despite the fact that the weather conditions were very unsatisfactory. The nett result nas about £77. The staff and scholars are to he congratulated on their very fine effort in this matter.

\Ve regret to recoin uuduring the year of Miss Lynn and Miss Bruce, both very capable and efficient teachers. Miss Lynn’s position has been filled hy Miss Puff and Miss Bruce’s by Miss Musgrovc. The school has been unfortunate in

Unit since November it lms been without the services of n dental ofiicer. T,be Department lias advised us that they will be unable, to fill the position until -vlay. Further representations have been made to expedite an appointment.

> Hie annual excursion was belli at Lake Alahinnpua and an additional excursion was held at Arthur’s Pass. Hoth were very suecess'ful. 'l’lie boys of the fifth and sixth standards were taken out to Lake Kanieri for a visit of inspection to the fish hatching, and a lecture on fish culture was delivered by a member of the Acclimatisation Society which body made a donation to cover- the expenses el tne trip. Owing to the dosing of the Blue Spur School your committee was instructed by the Board to make the necessary arrangements for the transport of the scholars to the Hokitika shcool. j This was done and the school has received an additional twelve scholars in j consequence. The results of the annual examinations this year were very creditable fo the Hector and his teaching staff despite the fact that the school was handicapped by several clianges of teachers. The Committee wish to congratulate .Mr Partidge and his assistants on the high standard which the school has attained, and to hope Hr their efforts in this connection will be I maintained. 'Flic Committee wish to record their < appreciation of the services of the Sec-I rotary. -Mr Conning, who has been ■ most painstaking in his work and has given a great deal of time and energy to the affairs of the school. Twelve meetings of the committee were held during the year and the at-j tendances were as'follows: —Mrs Berry j 7, Mrs Wilson 9, Mr Swenev 11. Mr. 1 Shannon 11, Mr Bichards 12, Mr Bed- J dor 8, Mr Conning 12, Mr Coulson 0, Mr Armstrong 11. Wo again wish to stress the importance of the regular attendance ol all ] scholars, and parents arc requested to j make every effort to see that their children attend school on every pos- ( si file occasion. This will materially j assist the teachers to maintain the j standard of efficiency and also to keep 1 up the grade' of the school. I Mr Heinz moved the reception of tin 1 report. Seconded by Mr Preston and 1 pjirriofl.

HECTOR’S REPORT

] have pleasure in submitting the 'following brief report on the school’s activities during the past year, a period which in several important respects has been a record one in the history of the school.

Health and Attendance. —For the second successive year we are able to report a clean bill of health, having fortunately escaped the epidemics that necessitated closing the schools in some other districts. In this connection the community is to be congratulated on the sturdiness and general good health of its young people. Just here, however, 1 wish to record a protest against the practice which is becoming very common, of holding juvenile balls after adult functions. I feel certain that the majority of parents will support me- when I say that this sort of thing is being very much overdone.

, It is encouraging to note tliat the Adoption of tlio school uniiorm is becoming more and more amoral. Iliis, I am sure, is not only gratifying t« the stall’ hut good for tlie children and the school, and a source of satisfaction

to parents. 'Generally speaking the attendance has been satisfactory and the correct attitude of the great majority of parents throws into sharp relief those few exceptional cases where the compulsory provisions of the hducation Act have periodically to he put into

operation. There has been a- slight increase in the primary school attendance but not sufficient to improve the school’s status and stalling. Roll number at the beginning of year 1928 287 Roll number at the end of year 1928 -99 Average attendance for the

year 1928 -<(> Roll number at the beginning of 1929 ... 290 i Present roll number JO9 ; It is gratifying to report that the . attendance in the Secondary Department increased sufficiently last year to warrant the appointment of a temporary fourth assistant ; while a further increase this year has resulted in this appointment being made permanent. The present roll number ol’ Itfti is the highest on record and it is to lie Imped that the support given to our high school will be sufficient to enable it to maintain its present improved status. 801 l number at beginning of 1928 97 Average attendance 1928 92 Present roll number Kid Staff.—As usual there are several changes to report: .Miss I). M. Lynn, 8.A., resigned last , year to take up other work. Miss I Lynn’s loss was keenly felt as she was I a capable and conscientious teacher whose influence with the senior girls was very good. She has been succeeded by Miss A. P. Duff. Mr E. IL Bead, temporary assistant in the Secondary Department, also resigned about the same time and was succeeded by Miss S. M. Brown who will fill tin l position temporarily until the end of this year. Miss K. M. Kennedy, probationary assistant, left at the end of the year, and Miss E. M. Pedder has been appointed for tin- current twelve months. .Miss .1. (». Musgrove was appointed junior assisatnt to replace Miss M. Bruce, resigned. Miss M. 0. Cox and Miss M. \V. Irwin left for the Training College at the completion of their term as probationers. and have been succeeded by Miss M. E. Wild and Mr H. M. Swene.v. Mr W. Ridland, probationer, resigned at the end of February to take up university work. School Work and Examinations. —In spite of the interruptions consequent upon several changes in the staff during the year, the standard of efficiency; has been well maintained, as is borne; out not only b,v the satisfactory reports of visiting officials and inspectors but also by the very gratifying percentage ol passes in the various public examinations. The following ’is a summary of the successes gained during the past year:

H Certificate, 2 partial passes; Higher Leaving Certificate, 1 ; Matriculation. d; Accountants’ Preliminary. 1: Public Service Entrance. 4 ('including the highest for Westland); Senior Free Places. 2(>; Junior National Scholar-; ship, 1 (the only award for Westland): Proficiency 27 ; Competency b.

In addition to the above three conn-, try pupils now attending the High j School are in receipt, of scholarships | awarded bv the Hokitika High School I Board; while three others Hirst-year j pupils' are being, recommended this year for a similar distinction. Sports.— Hue attention continues to | |,o given to the physical development; of the pupils, ami in addition to the; daily drill, cricket, basketball, tennis.' and football have bdon played m

The improved condition of the playground has materially assisted in f lie conduct of organised games. It is a matter for regret that swimming was not taken np so keenly this summei,, but this was due largolv to the unsettled weather. The third annual sports : meeting which was held recently was a groat success. It was unfortunate; that wet weather caused two postpone-; ments and necessitated holding the sports at short notice. In this connection I should like to expressmv indebt-' edness to Mr R„ Lynn for donating a silver cup for competition. During the year we had visits from school parties from (he Reefton District High School and Ashburton Technical School when inter-school athletic contests wore held. A party of pupils from this school returned Ashburton’s visit, and had a most enjoyable trip. Kair.—The Fair organised hy tin* stall' was again heartily supported by the parents and friends of the school, a hunt C7O being taken in I he alteriioon. This money is being wisely expended by the committee in providing books d'or tbe class libraries, and in

carrying out further improvements t the playground. Though a good dea still remains to be (lone, it will be generally conceded that the improved appearance of the playing area is at onct evidence of the Committee’s efficiency and an incentive to parents to continue to give their generous support to the annual fair. I should like to renew my appeal to the parents for closer co-operation with the staff to secure the greatest possible progress for each individual pupil. With a large class a teacher cannot give as much attention to in-

dividual pupils as is desirable, and the

difficulties of each child are not always discovered often because the child himself is too shy to ask for help. This is where the parents can render invaluable assistance’ by keeping the teacher informed as to the child’s difficulties and by encouraging him to take the

teacher into his confidence. There should exist between parent, child, and teacher a bond ol sympathy and confidence that should prompt the pareni to get into closer touch with the teacher. If parents desire their children to be happy at school and to make good progress /and what parent does not!-') and if they feel that Hi teacher is their friend and ally toward* that end (and what teacher is not?) they should be at pains to keep tlm teacher posted as to the child’s difficul ties and requirements. I would say t parents; “If you are not satisfied come and tell us at once; complaining to your neighbour not only does no 1 effect a remedy, hut actually does harm all round.”

In conclusion I should like to ex press my thanks to the members of in staff for their loyal co-operation ; t tin* Committee for its keen and activ interest in everything pertaining to (he school’s welfare; and to the gen era I body of parents for the full mean ure of support they have given to on: efforts. When teachers, committee parents and pupils all work harmon: onsly together for the good ol th school success is assured ; and it is m earnest hope that our association wil 'ontinue to be marl-red by that loyalty unanimity and cordiality of eo-nper.” tion that must ever he the handmaid of achievement. A round of applause greeted the Bector on concluding. Mr Preston congratulated the Rector on his very fine report. He endorsed the protest against juvenile dances and also objected to changes ol teachers except at the end of the year. He would move that the Minister of Education be asked to prevent the resigning of teachers except at the end of the school year. Seconded by Air Heinz. The Chairman supported the motion, which was carried.

The balance sheet, showing a credit balance of Lb(s (5s Id on the grounds account, and small credit on general

account was read. Discussion on the school syllabus

was invited. M,r Preston moved that the meeting protest at the teaching of evolution in the primary school as outlined in tie school syllabus. Seconded hy Air Armstrong and agreed to. Air Redder moved that the Minister he asked to reduce the size of classes in tin* primary schools. Mr Partridge said the motion was quite in the right dried ion. It was the aim of the Board as well as the staff to have the size of classes reduced. Mr Heinz seconded the motion. Mr Wild said the Board’s throughout New Zealand were' against the large classes. Tie thought a maximum of forty in the primary classes shoal- 1 he fought for. Mr Preston thought the teachers were well served if they only had -)-• to (-0 children to teach. 'l’lie motion was agreed to. Mr Armstrong moved a hearty vote of thanks to Air R. Wild for his services as memher of the Canterbury Education Board. Seconded by Air Sweuey and carried. Air Wild thank ed Ih<‘ meeting lor the motion.

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE

There were L‘s nominations for f

seats, and a ballot was taken with the following it suit•l. Conning 80 A. ('. Armstrong ... 72 W. H. .Shannon ... 00 ■I. J. Breeze 09 \Y. K. Richards ... 07 li. \Y. R. Swenev ... 00 F. W. Cliestermmi ... 02 It. .J. Fodder -Id Elizabeth Wilson ... -13

J. F. Coulson 42 A. McDougall 42 A. Leslie 37 Laura Ferry 33 The Chairman declared the first nine duly elected.' A vote of thanks to the scrutineers (.Messrs Ballinger and Benjamin) and a similar vote to the Chairman terminated the meeting.

At the close of the annual meeting the newly-elected Committee met. All wen l present, excepting .Mr F. Chesterm;in.

.Mr A. O. Armstrong was elected chairman and took the chair.

Mr J. Conning was appointed lion secretary and .Mr Swonoy treasurer.

.Messrs Richards, Chesterman, and Breeze were appointed Grounds Committee.

Mrs Wilson and Mr Shannon were appointed Dental Clinic Committee. The visitors appointed for the month woe .Messrs Armstrong and Breeze. Some division of opinion was expressed relating to a special visiting committee to make early hour visits to the school quarterly to see that the class rooms were kept properly 'dean. Eventually, the motion was carried and Mrs Wilson, the Chairman, and Mr Breeze were appointed to the Committee.

The first Monday of each month at the Technical School room was fixed for regular meetings of the Committee. It was decided to procure a dozen waste paper baskets lor the class rooms.

AT WOODSTOCK

At the householders’ meeting held last night in the schoolroom, Woodstock. Mr R. C, Wells presiding, the following were elected as a committee for the ensuing year:—Messrs D. Kelly, F. Keenan, W. Agnow, C. Stoop and 10. Baker.

AT GREY.MOUTH

The old Committee, Messrs R. G. Bnrrowman, A. J. Fairmaid, G. Herring. 11. Herring, A. V. Olliver, W. G. ‘>enll, W. H. .1. Smytlio, .1. Teiment, R. J. Williams, were re-elected

AT ROSS

(From Our Own Correspondent)

The householders’ meeting called lor last evening was very poorly attended. In addition to the headmaster and secretary, only five householders were present, these five being duly elected to serve as a committee for the ensuing year, viz:—Mrs R. Windsor, Messrs H. Osmers, J. Holmes, A. Thompson, and W. Windsor.

The report showed the roll numoer had decreased by 12 since last year: that a piano and gramophone had been purchased and that buildings and erouuds were in good order and eondi-

At a meeting held immediately after ‘if H. Osmers was re-elected Chairnan, and Mr A. W. Peebles, arv and Treasurer. The Committee is o meet on 3rd Saturday in each month it 8 p.m. Tenders are to Jie called for school •leaning, returnable on Saturday cvenug next.