ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3763, 23 April 1907, Page 2

ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Ninety-six householders and a number of persons not possessing the necessary voting qualifications, were present at the local State School last evening, to elect a school committee for the ensuing twelve months. Included among those present was a large per centage of ladies. Mr P. Hennessy was voted to the chair. Before the annual report was read the Chairman of the Committee (Mr Clemett) presented cheques to the winners of Mr Stevens’ essay competitions, particulars of which have already appeared in these columns. The annual report was read and adopted and was as follows : The present committee commenced the year with a credit balance of 6s lod, but there were outstanding accounts amounting to 7s for immediate settlement, reducing this balance to £g 19s rod. The committee, on considering this. slender credit balance and the extra upkeep of the new school, a new boundary fence to be erected, new horse paddock to fence in, and, many other necessaries too numerous to itemise, began to think it was a financial problem they had to solve, as we soon discovered that the quarterly grant from the Education Board was quite inadequate to meet the demands made upon our slender revenue. At times we were put to great straits, but I am pleased to say that the committee were equal to the occasion, and by converting some of the old and unnecessary outbuildings and articles on the school ground into cash we managed to pull through our term at least without making any call on the public for financial assistance, and notwithstanding all these difficulties to be able to show a credit balance of £g xos Bd. The year has been eventful in one or two particulars, the retirement of Mr W. S. Stewart, the late headmaster, and the appointment of Mr Adams in his stead. This appointment has proved satisfactory as far as the committee is concerned, and we earnestly hope and trust it will prove the same to the householders. Re technical education, I regret to state that owing to the many obstacles in our path we have not been able to seriously tackle this important question. However, the matter is now fairly in hand, and we trust the new committee will comprise men of sufficient energy and ability, to make a technical school an established fact before the winter is well advanced. With regard to nature science, your committee are pleased to inform you that this important branch of education is well in hand. All the necessary tools are in the headmaster’s possession, awaiting the proper season to commence operations. Physical culture, which has been taken up by the Wanganui Education Board, was introduced a first time on Thursday last; Mr Jarrett kindly consented to give a few lessons to the boys and girls in the higher standards. This new departure, if properly and regularly carried out, will have far reaching healthful results. I cannot close this report without mentioning the very laudible action of Mr Stevens, M.H.R., in presenting the committee with a cheque for seven guineas for prizes to be competed for by boys and girls for the best essay on farming by boys, and on cooking for girls. I am glad to say the girls competed fairly well, but only one boy thought it worth his while to prepare a paper, which, however, was a very feeble effort. The committee, therefore (with Mr Stevens’ consent), decided to hold the prizes over, and make another effort, which, it is hoped will be more successful. Mr Stevens, when consenting, sent 10s 6d as a third prize to the lad who did try as a reward for his energy. In conclusion I have to say that your committee have worked together unanimously in the best interests of the school and education gener-ally.-—A. D. Clemett, Chairman, Foxton State School Committee. Mr Baker expressed indignation at the style of residence that the Board was erecting in the main thoroughfare for the schoolmaster to reside in. He moved the following resolution, which waa seconded by Mr Bullard : This meeting expresses its indignation at the unsatisfactoriness of the new dwelling being erected for the headmaster, and requests the Board to make the necessary alterations, and that the Secretary be instructed to collect subscriptions up to and the Board be requested to grant a £ for £ subsidy to carry out necessary alterations. . Mr Bradcock objected to the people being asked to put their hands in- their pockets for this purpose. Mr Clemett said if the resolution was carried it might seem ungrateful on the Committee’s part for what the Board had done. The fact of the resolution being brought forward may do good. Exception was taken by several to the architectural plainess of the structure. The motion on being put was lost. A hearty vote of thanks, carried by acclamation, was passed to the outgoing committee. Messrs Rimmer and Moore were appointed scrutineers, and the

election of the new committee resulted as follows: Clemett ... 74 Coley, G. ... 71 Frankland ... 70 Hennessy ... 70 Wilson ... 61 Perreau ... 60 Gray ... ... 55 Betty 54 Baker ... 49 Devett ... ... 47 Henderson ... 35 O. Austin ... 35 Rae-Howard ... 33 The first nine were declared duly elected. All the old Committee nominated were re-elected. The successful candidates briefly returned thanks. Votes of thanks to the Chairman and scruitneers concluded the meeting. A meeting of the new Committee was then held when Mr A. D. Clemett was re-elected chairman and Mr F. W. Frankland was elected Secretary.—lt was resolved to call tenders for the position of cleaner.—lt was decided to ask the Board to allow the Committee to use the old schoolmaster’s residence for revenue-producing purposes.—lt was decided to hold the monthly meeting every second Thursday in- the month. The meeting then rose. By Telegraph—Special to Herald. Palmerston, This Day. The following sehcol committees were elected at the annual meetings pf householders last night:—College Street —Messrs Rutheriurd, Hodder, Darville, liider, Stubbs (Secretary and Treasurer), Sharpe, Jewell, Hansen and Whitehead. Terrace End —Messrs J. Nash (Chairman), Yortt (Secretary), Jarrett (Treasurer), Robbie, Johansen, Eewis, Mathison, Drury, Stratton. Campbell Street—-Messrs Palmer (Chairman), Irkpen, Rev. Beggs (Secretary), Pyler, Jackson, Gittings, Furness, Bett, Holden. Einton School —Meissrs Hoodie (Chairman), Rix (Secretary), Batchelor, MacFetridge, Beckett, Davison and Petterana.