SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1797, 5 March 1918, Page 2

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The monthly meeting of the local State School Committee was held last night. Present: Messrs Hornblow (chairman), Rev. J. 11. Bredin, Hussey, McMurray, Parker, Perreau, Read, and Woods. Mr Read reported as to carrying out certain repairs to windows and repainting skylights. The sub-com- i mittee reported that twelve barrels of tar had been purchased, and cinders procured for asphalting tho path. Mr Prentice had been engaged to carry out the work, and tho Council had been asked to allow tho borough foreman to supervise same. —The sub-committee’s report was endorsed, and satisfaction expressed that the work was now put in hand, and would be completed before the wet weather sets in. Correspondence was received from the Board re resignation of Miss McAuliff, owing to ill-health; that Miss Lily McMillan had been appointed as a pupil teacher; that Mr L. J. Furrie, the new head teacher,' would take up his duties on Monday, April Bth. The Board also wrote that, in terras of section 72, it proposed to promote Miss Jessie McMurray from sixth to fifth assistant on the stnlf. —The Board’s action was endorsed.

The head teacher reported the following attendances for the past four weeks: —303.3, 374.7, 374.2, 379.8; the average for the whole period was 373, out of an average 'roll number of 396.2; the present roll is 397. The head teacher asked that, in order to facilitate removal to Wanganui, that his duties as head teacher finish on the 20th inst. The Committee agreed, provided the Board sanctioned same. The Chairman was authorised to confer with the staff and children re the departure of the head teacher. Mr Parker suggested that the school conveniences should be locked up during Aveek-ends and holidays. During a discussion on the subject, it was stated that children used the playground during such times. One member said (hey were better (here than playing about the streets or on the wharf. Against this was the damage that may be done to school property if those using (he grounds were not under control. It was finally decided to hold the matter over until the new head teacher had expressed an opinion on the subject. Favourable comment was made upon the improved environment of the infant room as carried out by Miss Ray, and the Committee decided to authorise'an expenditure of £2 10s to assist the teacher in this connection. . Mr Perreau asked whether the Committee intended to give the children a picnic this year. He suggested that they be taken to the seaside for a day. It was decided that Mr Pen-can bring down suggestions for a picnic at next meeting. The Rev. Mr Brcdin ami Mr Betty were appointed visitors for the month. Accounts were passed for payment, and (he meeting rose.