SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 870, 26 July 1910, Page 2

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the School Committee was held last night. Present: —Messrs Hornblow (chairman), Betty (secretary), Rev. Aitken, G. Coley, Alex Speirs, Hussey, Henderson, and Eevett. Correspondence was received from Mr Yerex making application for the use of certain rooms in the old school building as a skating rink at a rental of 20s per week of four nights. The Chairman said the offer was very tempting in view of the committee’s financial position but before the building could be used for public purposes it would have to be licensed by the Borough Council and the Committee would have to obtain the Board’s sanction. He read the Board’s regulations governing buildings used solely for school purposes. Mr Henderson said he was of opinion that the Committee should avail themselves of the offer. They were not in a position to turn money away and he could see no reason why the request should not be granted. He moved that the application be granted, subject to the Chairman obtaining the consent of the Board and the Council licensing the building. Seconded by Mr Hussey. Mr Aitken said the regulations governed the old building, which had been sanctioned as a technical school, but the Committee should be careful that it did not create a nuisance by letting the building for public purposes especially when there were other public halls in the town. A member remarked that the building had been let for football practices and there had not been any complaints. Messrs Speirs, Coley, and Hussey supported the resolution which on being put was lost on the casting vote of the Chairman.

A further application was made for the use of the room for private purposes and this was also refused.

The Chairman’s action in procuring shrubs for school beautification, allowing the Dramatic Society the use of the old school for rehearsing and one or two other minor matters was endorsed. A letter was read from the Secretary of the Dramatic Society notifying the Committee that the farcical comedy, “ Kleptomania,” would be produced in aid of the school ground improvement fund on August sth, and hoping that the entertainment would be greeted by a bumper house. —Members of Committee were appointed to arrange the details of the entertainment.

In reply to a question, the Chairman said he could not say what the financial result of the juvenile ball was nor did he know definitely what the proceeds were in aid of until the ladies who had the matter in hand reported officially to the Committee.—lt was pointed out that in future before any entertainments were got up in aid of the school funds that all details should be discussed with the Committee beforehand.

The visitors, Messrs Hussey and Henderson reported on several matters that required attention and it was decided to have same carried out.

The head-teacher’s report was read and received. It stated that the average attendances for the past four weeks were: 3x2.3, 297.3, 302.2, and 313.7. The average for the whole period was 306.4 out of an average roll number of 358.2. The roll number is how 364. The headmaster complained that the gates had been left open at night since the old school building had been used and stated that it was useless going on with gardens and tree planting if this is allowed to continue. The report sgugested that a lock be placed on the gate at the side of the school. —Mr Henderson said that this would prevent the headmaster’s horse getting on to the garden. It was also pointed out that it would prevent people making a thoroughfare of the front of the school. Mr Coley said that he had seen a horse in the school playground while the children were playing there. This ought to be stopped.—lt was decided to purchase locks for the gates.

The Treasurer’s statement showed a small credit. A number of accounts were passed for payment.

The Chairman and Mr Devett were appointed visitors for the month.

Other matters of minor importance were discussed and the meeting rose.