NETHERTON SCHOOL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5127, 18 May 1927, Page 3

NETHERTON SCHOOL.

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE. ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. The Netherton district shook off its usual state of nonchalance last Monday evening, and one of the largest public meetings ever held in the district took place in the Public School. The attendance was variously estimated at figures up to 300, for there was not space in the schoolroom to accommodate all those present and a great number had to wait outside. People were present who had never been seen at public meetings before, for motor-cars . had scoured the district in search o' persons to bring to the meetings. The purpose of the gathering was to elect a school committee. A committee comprising Messrs RLocke, A. S. Fisher, C. Potter, C. Stembridge, and G. Prout had been appointed at the annual meeting of householders in April, but Mr Prout was not present and declined to take a seat. Acting on instructions from the Education Board another meeting was called to elect another committee, as the suggestion that the candidate who had secured the highest number of votes from the unsuccessful nominees should be appointed was not approved by the Board of Education. It is difficult to ascertain the reason for the- interest taken in the election, and “petty party politics” was the reason given by several householders approached on the subject. It appears that one party wanted its candidates appointed, but th® reasons given varied considerably. Mr C. Stembridge presided, and after explaining the position called for nominations. Ten men were nominated, and a long wait ensued while ballot papers were written out. Householders registered their naynes and were given a ballot paper. They then retired singly into a cubicle to mark their papers, as at a general election. The votes recorded totalled 122, and while some householders think that there were many who did not vote-, it is admitted that the “party whips” did their duty well. The result, as follows, was announced at 10.45 p.m.: R. Locke, 72; P. Harold, 69; A. S. Fisher, 64; C. Potter, 63; C. Stembridge’ 61; R. Adam, 59 ; W. Harold, 54 ; c ’ McNeil, 48 ; G. A- Fisher, 47 ; R. Wilson 45. Messrs Locke, P. Harold, A. S. Fisher, C. Potter, and C. Stembridge were therefore declared elected, and at a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr P. Harold was appointed chairman and Mr C. SteiSbridge secretary. The members of the committee last year were Messrs P. Harold, C. Stembridge, R. Adam, W. Harold, G. Prout, J. Morrispn, and T. Vowles.