SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 983, 25 April 1911, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Foxton School Committee was held last evening, there being present: —Messrs Horublow (chairman), J. Hussey, G. Coley, A. Speirs, Bullard, T. Henderson and R. T. Betty (secretary). The Chairman reported with reference to the cutting of trees, that Mr Coley had accepted the lower of two tenders received, there being a difference of ss. It was pointed out that instead of the boughs being nicely sawn off, they had been lopped with a hatchet. It was decided to bring the matter under the notice of Mr Coley.

The headmaster’s report, in the following terms, was received : The average attendance for the quarter ending March 31st, was 300.37 out of an average roll number of 322.80, and for the month 306.2 out of an average roll number of 332. The present roll number is 320. Miss A. Sparrow took up duties as relieving teacher on April 6th, I have completed the first periodical examination and am pleased to report that the work done shows that very satisfactory progress is being made in the various classes. The annual report and balance sheet, an abstract of which will appear in our next issue, were read and approved. HOUSEHOLDERS’ MEETING. About eighteen persons attended the meeting to elect a committee for the ensuing year. Mr Hornblow was voted to the chair. The report and balance sheet were read. In moving their adoption Mr Hunt said the outgoing committee had done very well. Nominations for seats on the committee were called for, with the result that the requisite number of names rendering an election unnecessary, were submitted. They are : Betty, R, T. Coley, G. Hornblow, J. K. Henderson, T. Hussey, J. Hunt, C. Procter, H. Read, S. Speirs, A. The Chairman said he was glad to see a good gathering present despite wet weather. He urged parents to visit the school occasionally and become acquainted with the progress being made by the children. Citizens did not take the interest in the school that they should. Mr Jackson, the headmaster, would be pleased to take them round the classes. They should also take note ot the school gardens. The speaker mentioned the improvement noticeable in the conduct of the

children. It was particularly pleasing to observe their behaviour in the street, the respect for their elders shown by Maori is well as European children. They were being well taught mot ally and otherwise. U should not be forgotten that the physical training of the scholars given attention, Mr Jackson accompanying the boys in their sports. Three local lads, Fraser, Robinson and Baker, had been selected as members of the schools representative football team. The tone of the school was good, and the teachers worked agreeably together. No parents had come to the speaker during the year with complaints. All the money realised on the sale of the old school builuing—viz., ,£lO3 —had been expended on school improvements, yet the Board would have been within its rights in expending it elsewhere. A deputation waited on the Chairman of the Education Board and obtained, with the assistance of the Board’s local representative, Mr A. Fraser, ,£73 for the purpose of having the school grounds fenced off into separate playgrounds. The Committee had worked with the best spirit among themselves and endeavoured to serve their district faithlully. They had the welfare of the children and the school at heart. lu conclusion the Chairman moved a hearty vote of thanks to the headmaster and staff for the efficient manner in which they had carried out their duties during the past year. The motion was seconded by Mr Betty and carried with acclamation.

Mr Jackson, in responding on behalf of himself and his assistants, said that, while not looking for praise, he could not help feeling pleased with the expression of approval of their services. It would spur them on to greater efforts in the coming period. The past year had been somewhat strenuous, but his work had been a pleasure. His relations, and those of his staff, with the committee and parents had been exceedingly satisfactory. He was glad to accompany the boys on their athletic trips, and in this connection the parents had been very good. The staff had assisted him greatly ; a master might work with very little effect without a good staff, which he had now.

Mr Speirs moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, whom he considered “ the right man in the right place,” and who devoted much time to different enterprises carried on in connection with the school, sparing no effort to make everything a success. Mr Read seconded. Mr Hunt added the names of the Committee, and the motion was carried. The new Committee then met, and le-elected Mr Hornblowchairman and Mr Betty secretary. It was resolved that the regular meetings be held at 7.30 p.m, on the third Thursday in every mouth.

Messrs Betty and Coley were appointed visitors for the mouth. Accounts amounting to £1 3s 6d were passed for payment, and the meeting terminated.