SCHOOL COMMITTEES’ ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1880, 21 September 1918, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEES’ ASSOCIATION.

FORMED IN PALMERSTON NORTH.

The first meeting of delegates who were appointed to deal with matters in connection with the formation of a School Committees’ Association was held in the Council Chambers, at Palmerston on Thursday night. Mr J. A. Nash presided, and about thirty delegates were present, all the principal schools in the district were represented, whilst delegates were also present from Taihape, Cheltenham and Waituna West. The Ppxton delegates were Messrs Hornhlow and Signal. A number of apologies were received, also a number of letters from committees signifying their intention of affiliating-with the Association.

The chairman, in extending a welcome to those present, said (he proposal was already bearing fruit, and he hoped it.would bo the forerunner of an institution that would do a great deal of good. On the motion of Mr Joblin, seconded by Mr Hornhlow, the resolution for the formation of an Association was formally adopted. The rules were read, and, after discussion, were adopted. REMITS, It was decided to forward the following remits to the Dominion Conference: —That the education grant be increased to at least £3,000,000; standardisation of school books; modernisation of school buildings and furniture.; scale of capitation allowance to be increased; free school books and requisites; establishment of federation of associations; 35 children to be the maximum under the charge of one teacher; extension of open air classes; provision of larger playgrounds; free and compulsory medical and dental treatment of children in State schools; teachers’ remuneration to be sufficiently attractive to encourage the most able to .enter the service; names of teachers to be submitted to committees before appointment. On the motion of Mr Snell, seconded by Air Keys, it was resolved that the question of holding combined school sports gatherings in all the important towns bo referred to the executive.

CHEQUES AND SUBSIDIES

Mr Hornhlow brought up the question of cheques and subsidies from Education Boards. He said I bat when money was raised by the committee to carry out work, the cheque had to be forwarded upon which subsidy was claimed. This was held by (he Board for a considerable lime, and (here was a further lapse of lime before (lie subsidy was obtained from the Department. The proposed work bad to be bung up indefinitely. The delay caused great inconvenience to committees.

Other members stated money forwarded to the Board hud been held for months.

Air Johlin, a member of tlie Wanganui Education Board, pointed out (hat this was probably an oversight on the part of one of the Board's officials. It was decided to draw the attention of the Board to the matter, and ask that cheques he returned as early as possible. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected: President, Mr -I. A. Nash; vicepresidents, Airs de Ban tour (Taihape), Messrs Mclntyre (Feilding), and A. E. Pearce (Wailuna West); hon. sec. and treasurer, Mr H. J. Keys; committee, Messrs C. 11. Whitehead (West End), A. J. Mahon (Campbell Street), J. K. Hornblow (Foxfon), A. Lancaster (Kairanga), and Guy (Tokomaru). Mr Nash, in thanking the meeting for electing him president of the Association, said they had embarked on something in which every member would have to do his share. He referred to file over-crowded conditions . prevailing in the town schools, and other matters which should have the attention of the Association. He also paid a tribute to the work of Air H. J. Keys, and said they were fortunate in having such an absolute enthusiast for their secretary. The President and .Secretary were appointed delegates to attend the Dominion conference, to be held in Wellington in November. The meeting concluded with votes of thanks to the chairman and secretary.