SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 462, 19 June 1909, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The ordinary meeting of the above was held in the school house on Thursday night. Present: Messrs Hornblow (chairman), Rev. G. K. Aitken (secretary), Betty, T. Henderson, Alex. Speirs, Bevett and Read. The headmaster and caretaker were also in attendance. — Formal correspondence was received from the Board in reference to nominations lor vacancy on the Board for the Southern Ward, caused by the retirement of Mr Bennett, who is eligible for reelection.—lt was explained that the gentleman mentioned had been nominated for re-election, and the Committee decided to support his candidature. The visitors’ report recommended action being taken in respect to draining the ground on the north side of the building, as large pools ol water accumulated alter the rain ; also that the caretaker be given a lobby in the old school, in which to store necessary equipment for his work; other minor matters were referred' > to. The following sub-committee was set up to deal with the question of draining and fencing : The Chairman, Messrs Aitfien, Levett and Speirs, It was resolved to allow the caretaker the use of a lobby in the old school for storage purposes. The headmaster reported that the attendances during the past five weeks had been as follows: 245, 246, 244, 255 and 231 1 roll number, 303. The Chief Inspec- . or had visited the school last 1 week, and the periodical examination is now taking place.—The re4, ports were adopted.—lt was decided to ask Mr Fraser, Board member, to accompany the subcommittee When inspecting the school grounds.—The caretaker lodged* a complaint against boys being allowed to run through the school during cleaning operations on a recent Saturday afternoon, also of the careless manner in which scholars left their books, etc.> lying about in the class rooms.—lt was decided that boys V be prohibited from this practice in /< future, offenders to fie dealt with by the headmaster, and that the Headmaster call the teaching : staff’s attention to the careless manner in which booksyetc., are scattered about. v The Chairman brought up the question of gootPattendance certificates as provided by the Act, and ft was decided to ! awarti same to . , J 1 1 1.

pupils entitled to receive them.

In reference to religious instruction in the school during school hours, held over from last meeting, it Was finally decided to inform the Revs. Messrs Aitken and Mairs that the Committee would grant them the use of the school for Bible instruction either before or alter school hours.

Accounts were passed for payment, and it was pointed out that the Committee's funds would be overdrawn to meet liabilities. It was decided to hold a school concert in order to raise funds, and a committee consisting of the Chairman, Secretary, Messrs Betty, Xevett, the headmaster and ’the teaching staff were appointed to attend to the matter.

Messrs Speirs and Read were appointed visitors for the month.

The matter of covering the wells was left in the hands of Mr Speirs.