HOUSEHOLDERS MEET

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1932, Page 2

HOUSEHOLDERS MEET

HOKITIKA HIGH SCHOOI

SATISFACTORY R EPORT RECEIVED.

Prior to the annual meet'ng of householders of the Hokitika District High School last evening, the outgoing committee held its final meeting, Air A. ('. Armstrong (chairman), presiding.

An apology was received from Air J, Conning.

The Canterbury Board advised that the Committee’s offer to convey tho children from Blue Spur to Hokitika for £IOO per annum ha cl been accepted.

THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of householders was subsequently held, there being only three houiolujflders present in addition to the members of the committee Air S J- Preston was elected to tho chair.

REPORT OK COMMITTEE. The annual report of the committee stated that it was very gratifying to note that the year had concluded with a small credit balance, due no doubt to the very sympathetic public who gave so; generously to all appeal)?, on behalf of school funds, that were made from time to time. Although economic cowl tion.s were not so bright as they might be, your coirSmittee had found a ready response from parents and citizens generally, and the "support obtained had enabled them to carry on without any serious curtailment of the usual expenditure in School matters.

The fact that the Dental ’Clinic had been made available- —free ot charge to all the school children in the district was worthy of comment, especially in view of the fact that a considerable burden had been placed on the the Committee for the -supply oi materials used in the clinic. Regular monthly meetings by the committee had been held and members attended to their duties most creditably. The following were a few matters that might briefly be mentioned in connection with the year’s work:— Finance. —As before mentioned the year ended with a small credit balance despite the fact that lean times were forcing economy in all directions. It will he apparent to the incoming committee that a very strict supervision would have to be obsened in all expenditure. '.The generous response by the parents and citizens generally to all school appeals could not he expected to provide the revenue of the past few years' and, in consequence, to make ends meet,, and an overhaul of all the channel's of expenditure might be advisable. It was recommended that the' - . Dental Clinic finances be placed upder a separate account to enable a more equal distribution or responsibility to” be made on the respective school committee’s concerned. It was consideredthat the Hokitika School Committee had lieen carrying too great a share of tho responsibility for the clinic district and a revised ass© sment on some of the schools, would he more equitable. The necessity of keeping a separate “Ground.? Account” was now unnecessary, due to the fact that no monies were now being received by way of subsidy. The monies in the “Grounds Account” could be transferred to the “General Account” and the present “Grounds Account” be utilised as a “Dental Clinic Account”. This would considerably simplify matters and place less work upon the Treasurer.

Grounds.—The playing grounds of the School were being kept in excellent order and complimentary remarks had been made by various visitors on the

marked improvement in the school appearance. “No further progress could be made at present for the purchase of the sections fronting the school grounds, but it was to be hoped that the possession of thc.se sections would be kept steadily in view. Tin! Education Board had recently erected a substantial bell tower, near the caretaker’s residence. This was a precautionary measure as the old tower in the school building was considered unsafe.

Caretaker.—The present caretaker, Air Clark, was giving general satisfaction and carrying out Ids duties w.tli care and assiduity, it was found necessary, during the year, to incorporate, in the duties of the caretaker, the regular cult ng of the lawns, and it had resulted in a marked improvement. Dental Clinic.— During the year, extra windows were placed in the Clinic to <dvo lighting accomodation to two nurse.?. The work was now on a satisfactory basis and credit was due to Nurses James and Pitt tor the splendid manner in which they had carried out their duties. The inclusion of South AVestland had widened the sphere of operations of the C linic and most of the time of Nurse Pitt was taken up in that portion of the district. Tho department Had taken up the responsibility of collecting the levy from these schools and 11 editing this committee accordingly. Thus tlie annual charge on the district under their immediate control would he £3B 10s.

Staff.—lt was very pleasing to report that the staff changes that were so frequent some t- me ago, had been greatly minimised, They bnd a good staff and they greatly appreciated their efforts during the year, In addition to the ordinary school woik, the organisation of the school concert and Fair had been cheeifully carried out and must have entailed a cons dorable amount of labour. It was only fitting that they should express their thanks and appreciation for the extra services rendered.

Drum and Fife Band.—The Drum and Fife Band deserved special mention for its services during the year. The school was to he heartily congratulated in possessing such a fine asset. Air Richards still continued hi.s worthy efforts as Instructor and while wishing both him and the band every success, they thanked them for the very pleasing and material service rendered the school.

In conclusion the committee wish to express to the Secretary (Mr Conning) and to the Treasurer (Mr Sweney), its thanks for the capable manner in which they had carried out their duties. The committee had been fortunate in having the services of these two gentlemen for so long a period, and it was very commendable that they had again offered their services, in the interests of the school for a further term.

Air A. C. Armstrong outlined the activities of the dental clinic, and at his instigation it was decided that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee that an endeavour be made to have the Kumnra Convent and State Schools and the Ross Convent School brought into the Hokitika district. No response had been received from the 'Alananui and Ruatapu schools, and it was decided to repeat the invitation,

011 the motion of the Chairman and Mr W. E. Richards, the Committee’s report was adopted. The finnnacial statement was read by the treasurer (Mr H. W. R' Sweney), the chairman remarking that the figures presented showed a satisfactory state of affairs. On the motion of Messrs Armstrong and F. Chosterman, the financial report and adopted.

REPORT OR THE RECTOR. Tlie Rector (Mr J. L. Menzies), in Ins report, stated that, numerically, the school was maintaining its position as shown by the fact that the roll numbers of the secondary and primary departments wore 109 and 342 respectively. The roll number of the primary school had shown a steady increase and could they maintain an average attendance of 321, they should be entitled to the services of another permanent teacher. At present they had another assistant whose position was only temporary, being dependent, no doubt, on their being able to keep the required average. Her withdrawal would be a great disadvantage to the school, and he urged upon parents the desirability of sending the r children to school regularly. S'uch a practice was a decided factor in a child’s progress. The work of the year was rendered more difficult by reason of the fact that the services of an extra teacher were withdrawn, and that the Arts and Crafts course was added to the secondary courses.

The work done in that course was, in his opinion most creditable, and could they have been granted facilities the work would have covered a more extended field especially in regard to the boys. It has been found necessary to modify tbe course. It was noticeable that at the beginning of the vear there was a falling off in the numbers of enrolments in tbe Arts and Crafts course, and an increase in the numbers of comiroroia! pupils—a feature tlmt it was difficult to understand, Good work continued to be done iu this course. 'Throughout tbe year, there bad been no staff changes, except- in the case of tin- probationary assistantship. which changed each year. Ties year, this particular position would be subject to the rationing principle. In sport tbe oehonl bid acquitted itself well, the intr-duct ion of tbe bouse system in tbe secondary department having no doubt bad a benficial effect. In a. district such as this, internal competition was tbe

only possible form, and the principle was now being applied to the primary department. Swimming was still not in a thriving condition as far a.? the school was concerned, this applying chiefly to the boys, and earnest endeavours must be made to improve the situation. During the year football matches were played with AYest Christchurch secondary department, Reel'ton District High School and Greynioutli Technical College. 011 the occasion of the AYest Christchurch boys' vi-it, a debate was arranged, our hoys gaining the decision. Basket bail matches were played with Old G ris, Greynioutli Technical College, and Reefton District High School.

There was published at the end of last year, a High School Magazine, which lie;,felt, must {rake a permanent place in the life of the School, and, in this matter they should ‘heartily appreciate the support of ex-pupi]s and pa rents.

Since hi? last report there had been a very decided improvement in regard to the adoption of a School uniform, n-'.nieularly among the girls. This was indeed pleasing, and he trusted that parents would give their full support to this measure. A School blazer and a new High School cap would shortly be available, and lie 'hoped thak every boy would be seen wearing the School cap very soon.

The .School sports subscription for this year was not on this account, being asked for. In conclusion he wished to express hi.s hearty appreciation of the readv co-operation of both parents and School Committee during the year, and tc thank those people who assisted in t matter of billeting, To Mr H. AT Coulson, who gave several hours of h’i tinjie to address a section of th scholars, on the very important subject of Oral Hygiene, he was deeply indebted.

The Chairman said if was to be regretted that there were not more householders present, taking ail active interest in the welfare of the school. Air Richards, moving the adoption, expressed satisfaction at the sell'" attendance, the appearance of th grounds, the good work of the staff, and the general high tone of the school .

The motion was seconded by Armstrong who further stressed th-' value of the present staff, both in their scholastic sphere us well a.s in the assistance they had given in other directions.

The report was adopted, further plaudits /being contributed by t Chairman. He made special ment’or the nea:; appearance of the school uniform. The Rector had given the matte, a lot of thought, and he was sure the time would come when the uniform would be wholly adopted. The number of nominations not exceeding that required, the following Committee was elected: —Messrs A. t. Armstrong, J, J. Breeze Junr., J. C°-’ ning, F. Chesterman, A. McDougall, W. E. Richards, R, J. Redder, H. A >R. Sweney and AA’. H. Shannon. A lenfliy list of the proposed economies by the National ‘Expenditure Com. mission was reeuived, and it was decided in the majority of eases, to support the Canterbury School Commit Association's opposition to certain clauses, except in the cgse of the v drawal of capitation of sewing, of which the meeting was in favour, The Committee decided to support a remit recommending that the publication of school text books be carried out by tender. fit was decided to place on record the appreciation of the services of the secretary and treasurer, whose office had been honorary.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. At the conclusion of the annual meeting there was a short meeting of the new committee, when last year’s officers were re-elected as follows Chairman, Mr A. C. Armstrong; Secretary, Mr J. Conning; Treasurer, Mt H. W. R. Sweney. AT KANIE'RI. There was only a -small attendance and the following were elected a Com-mittee.—-Messrs F. Selby (Chairman), A. R. El cock, E. Howal:, R. Chosterman and Harvey. AT WOODSTOCK. The following Committee were reelected.—Messrs E. Stoop (Chairman), J. Carson, E. J. Wells, D. Rogers and R. C. Wells '(secretary). AT KAIHIXC. The annual meeting of householders was held in the Kaihinn School. A record attendance of over eighty being present. Mr A. Richards, the Chairman of the outgoing Committee, was voted ‘to the Chair. The balance sheet was read and adopted. The Chairman then called for nominations for a Committee, there- being seven nominations received for a Committee of five. Mr A. Bradley withdrew his nomination in favour of Mr Cook leaving six to go to the- poll. The result was as follows.—C. Cook 61, Mrs J. Douglas 48, A. Richards 39, H. Finch 33, W. L. Dove 37, J. Finch 33. The following were duly elected a Committee to serve- for the -ensuing term.—C. Cook, Mrs J. Douglas, A. Richards, H. Finch, W. 1,. Dove. The Chairman thanked all for their attendance. A vote of thanks t<> the Chair terminated the meeting.

AT KUMARA. The following wore elected as the Committee at Kumara for the ensuing V'-r : —Me-srs J. Reedy, I. Steel, I'. Welker, D. A. 'McLean. Air Robert Burrell wrs elected Secretary in place of Mr H. -Hamer, who lias retired from the position.