School Committee Report.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3646, 26 April 1906, Page 3

School Committee Report.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT.

At the meeting of householders on Monday evening last, the following report was submitted by Mr S. H. Baker, Chairman of the past year’s committee. Ladies and Gentlemen,—l have the honour of submitting to you my report for the past year which I sincerely trust will meet your approval. The first important work undertaken by my Committee was the supervision of new shelter shed erected by Mr A. Jonson. The question of heating the small South Eastern room formed by subdividing big Eastern room was dealt with next and the Education Board approached and a grant of £7 15s od obtained for a brick chimney, a fireplace built by Mr W. Nye. Scarcely was the above work completed than porch accommodatogcther with the overcrowding of class rooms and the general condition of decay, unhealthy " nd badly ventilated state of rooms was heartily takey, up. Armed further with the Government Health Officer’s report condemning the whole school a battle royal was commenced. Never before had such a golden opportunity been given, for in the same time the Committee’s nominee, Mr Alf. Fraser, after two previous defeats had been elected as a member of the Education Board and an avenue thereby opened for fair representation of the long neglected Southern cud of Wanganui Educational District and our almost foe- j gotten school was no longer io be j left out m the cold. IhuS wa i; j the Boa rd prevailed upon and Mr James its-architect duly instructed j to visit Foxton and inspect tb.i old school and report. Mr James came and in company with Mr Fraser, Board member, Messrs Eraqkiaud, Barnard and self, committee, and Mr Stewart, Head Teacher, made a careful examination of the building, and I can assure no stone was left unturned in jpointlng out to Mr James the many defects, and when this gentleman left speaking personally I felt very sanguine about the results. At this junction the Education Board advertised for tenders for erection of new school at Foxton, at the same time advising ay Committee that it had insufficient funds, and suggested a deputation to wait on the Premier in his capacity as Minister of Education for £ for £ subsidy up to In course of time Messrs Fraser, Pirani, Lethbridge, Board member, B. G. Gower Esq., Mayor of Foxton, Messrs Frankland and self, (committee) waited upon Mr Seddon. We were introduced by late Mr Job Vile M.H.R. with the result that Mr Hogan Chief inspector of Schools received instructions to visit Foxton and report. Mr Hogben duly arrived and in company with Messrs Fraser, Frankland and myself inspected the school buildings resulting in Mr Seddon acceding to request and the building of new school and private premises by Mr Rimtner.

The opening ceremony of new school now received consideration and Mr Seddon very kindly responded to the request of my committee and came and officially ftpaned the school. Whilst here, I took the opportunity of addressing the Premier upon technical and secondary Education, and you all heard how warmly he expressed himself upon this point,— that a move in this direction would be most favourably considered especially in view of our outlying situation. Now began the battle for complete new school furniture resulting In the Board sending 175 new, single desks. Aiming still higher the Board was again approached lor new general up to date school furniture and the reply came that the Inspector would shortly visit and report upon the needs. Mr Bralk came and in conjunction with Messrs Fraser, Frankland and Stewart and myself we discussed matters freely. I proposed to Mr Braik that the old school be set aside for Technical and Secondary Education, that the Western room be a drill shed, entral, a workshop for boys, North Eastern, cooking room for girls, and the South Eastern a class room for Secondary Education. Further that a portion of the school ground be set aside for .4 school garden—all of which Mr Braik most highly approved and hoped to see shortly in fully swing. In regards to Technical Education, we had very suitahlr buildings, the Board supplied soecial teachers and the Government material free of cost to aV children in sth and 6th Standards, also free evening classes would be held for those who had passed these standards and a small charge others providing enough young people would attend to form a

class. In reference to new maps, table, chairs, etc. Mr Braik was inclined to think old ones would do but I pressed him hard upon the evil of putting old cloth into new garments and the bad effect upon the children’s training, etc., and the said chatties were duly inscribed in his note book as necessary. Mr Braik spoke warmly about the effort I mentioned steps would be taken to obtain a piano, not only as a pleasure for the childien but use in many ways and a revenue by means of concerts and entertainments by the children. lam delighted to say here that thanks to Mrs Haywood’s efforts' and the generous donations of Mr George Coley and others the piano should be here shortly. I now pass to the Childrens’ Exhibition in Wanganui'. Arrangements were made and a fair number of chiidren went. My Committee passed the following resolution suggesting to the Board that in future Exhibitions be held at Hawera and at Palmerston N. as well as at Wanganui as the latter place Is too far off for many children to attend.

Subscription lists were issued shortly before the Christmas holidays for the purpose of raising funds for prizes, sports, and general fund, and a sutn of 6s 3d was collected. Prizes were given out at breaking-up, and wood towards piano fund. I have the honour and pleasure to report that the Rev. H. F. Wilson has very kindly promised to present two prizes to the best boy and girl in upper standards for elocution : Mr John Stevens, M.H.R., prize:; to boys for essay on 200 >0 girls upon fofulshing and maiiag-, big 5 household. Mr Sim.ui.ouds, of Palmerston North, in response to an order for dumb bells presented gratis, two dozen pairs. Mr I. Fake presented several prizes at breaking up of school at Xmas, and the Athletic Club donated £$ 4s towards sports. The teaching staff at present consists of Mr W. S. Stewart, 8.A., Head Teacher; Mr Gordon, F.A., Master (to enter his duties on May 14th, at present relieved by Mr Holland) ; Miss McDonogh, F.A., Mistress; Miss Wanklyn, Assistant; Mr L. Jenks, Pupil Teacher; and Miss Dowling, Pupil Teacher. Mr L. Furrie after three years of faithful and efficient services as First Assistant Master has left for Eltham.

Tiie Inspector’s Annual Examination was .very satisfactory, and the Committee passed a resolution congratulating Mr Stewart and his staff upon the record result of passes in the school. The harmony of the school has been highly satisfactory during the year and the general tone good. Towards the close of the year the Head Master suspended a lad for being continually troublesome, but at a special meeting of committee attended by both the parent and Head Teacher, it was resolved that the committee regret the circumstances in reference to the suspension of the lad, deeming the Head Teacher should have complained to the father about the boy, finally that the boy apologise to Mr Stewart and return to school.

I desire to suggest that the new committee elected be urged upon to proceed with efforts to obtain Tech, and Secondary Education, school garden, also to replacing of school fences. I have arranged for Mr Vaney, Director Tech. Instruction, to visit Foxton and consult with new committee on Thursday, 26th inst. and have the promise of Mr Braik, Inspector, to assist in any way he can.

In conclusion, I wish to touch upon the new departure of the householders last year in electing two lady members. Both Mesdames Frankland and Haywood have more than shown themselves worthy of the confidence placed in them. I am only sorry that neither of these ladies are seeking re-elec-tion, but trust two more will be found to take their place this year. In my humble opinion it is only right where both sexes attend school both should be represented on a School Committee as well as upon the teaching staff, and more especially in view of cooking class this year. I have the honour to be, Eadies & Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, S. H. Baker, Chairman. April 23rd, 1906. [The portion of the report which was objected to is not included in the above.]