SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2268, 26 April 1921, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTION.

The annual meeting of householders for the purpose of electing a School Committee for the ensuing year was held in the school last night. The attendance this year was not so large as for the past three annual meetings, when the piano incident roused such feeling "in the community. The Mayor (Mr John Chrystall) was voted to the chair, and expressed pleasure at Seeing such a good attendance, which indicated a live interest in the welfare of the school and education generally. He made humorous reference to the hot air which had been let off in the past in connection with the piano incident, which had brought the T'oxton school into notoriety from one end of the Dominion to the other, and which probably was responsible in some measure for the erection of such a 'fine school building. He paid a tribute to the good work done by the Committee during the past year, and . called upon the Chairman of Committee to read the annual report and balance-sheet.

The report “congratulates the townspeople upon the completion of the new school, which was formally opened by the Hon. Mr Parr, Minister for Education, last year. The building, except for the want of an assembly hall, is possibly one of the best appointed in the matter of light, ventilation and class rooms appointments in the Dominion. f l'he heating apparatus is now completed, and radiators placed in each room. Arrangements have been made to have the gas installed in several of the rooms for the convenience of Committee meetings, and to provide hot water for the children’s luncheons during the winter months. Due economy, however, will have to be exercised in this connection, owing to the restricted finance. The Committee decided to hold up the work of erecting, a septic tank, a grant for which was sanctioned by the Department, in view of the carrying of the water and drainage loan proposals, believing that connection with the borough scheme would be more efficient and economical. The work of re-equipment has received considerable attention by the Committee and head teacher, from the Fund raised by the public for that purpose. This has enabled the school to he provided with a number of extras outside the Board’s schedule of furnishing. Considerable work has also been done in a ground improvement scheme, under l lie supervision of a sub-commit-tee. As the result of a deputation, the Council formed, kerbed and asphalted the footpath in front of the school, and finished off the new main entrance to the building, for all of which your Committee desires to express its warmest thanks, In- ( hiding subsidy, au amount of, say, CIBO has yet to be expended in fulfilment of the re-equipment scheme, expenditure on which, however, will have to be made before the subsidy on same is paid by the Board. The Board has approved the scheduled work, so that the finance is assured, It only now remains for the incoming Committee to complete the full scheme this year, and collect the subsidy. The past financial year opened with a credit balance for reequipment purposes of £192 17s Bd, leaving a credit balance at the end. of the year of £-17 7s lOd to work upon until further subsidies come from the Board. The General Fund for working expenses at the commencement of the year showed a credit balance of £52 10s 9d, and at its close a credit balance of £26 ,10s. The general expenses will, of necessity, increase during the current and future years, by reason of changed conditions in the new school. The heating apparatus will require early morning attention (inring the winter months. After twelve years of faithful service the present caretaker has resigned, and the Committee desire to place on record appreciation of Mr and Mrs McKnight’s services to the school. A new schedule of duties will he drawn up, and applications called to fill the position. During the year the head teacher was absent for six weeks to undergo a serious operation, which we arc pleased to report was entirely successful. During his absence the first assistant, Mr Oabites, took charge and carried out his duties in a very efficient manner. In this he had the hearty co-opeartion of the staff. It -is with sincere regret that the Committee report the transfer of Mr Gabites, first assistant, after upwards of twelve years splendid service. "MissgV. Ray al-o accepted a transfer to Mart on. Due appreciation of the services of these two teachers were conveyed to them, and placed on record by the Committee. Your Committed desire to thank all who have donated gifts to the library, museum and to the picnic fund. The annual picnic and railway excursion was held again .this year at Ashlntrsl, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Special thanks arc due to Messrs A. and T. Burt for the gift of a school bell, which lias been duly conveyed to the donors'on your behalf. Your Committee was able to arrange for the children to proceed to Palmerston on the occasion of the visit of 11.R.H. the Prince of Wales, and the children much enjoyed the outing and its historic bearing. The school games material has not been stinted, and all demands in this connection by the head teacher have been met. No complaints have been lodged with the Committee by parents, and staff, committee and parents have co-operated harmoniously for the general welfare of the school. Particular mention must be made of the services of Mr Claris, who

has left the district, and who" carried out the arduous duties of secretary and treasurer with such marked ability. Your Committee, in placing on record an appreciation of his services, presented him with a slight token of esteem. In conclusion, your Committee desire to thank the head teacher and staff for the faithful discharge of their duties, and for' hearty co-operation with the Committee in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the school, and to all who have in any way assisted in that connection.” The balance-sheet, duly audited, disclosed a credit balance of £26 10s on the general account, receipts from all sources totalling £4Bl, and expenditure £454. The report and balance-sheet, after a few complimentary remarks by the Chairman, were unanimously adopted.

The Rev. Mr Walton and Mr Christie were appointed scrutineers, and the Chairman distributed the voting papers. The result of the polling was as follows: — Hornblow, J. K. 44 Stevenson, A, 44; Pearson, C. A. 44 Coley, G. C. 42 Perreau. M. 40 Whibley, F. D. 40 Ross, jno. 39 Robinson, Peter 27 Nve, Wm. 20 All elected. Rimmer, F. 25 Parkin, E, 24 McKnight, Jas. 19

During the counting of the votes the head teacher, Mr Furrie, read a lengthy and comprehensive report dealing with the life of the school and general summary of events, which ,was ,very instructive, and was received on the motion of the chairman. The successful candidates returned.thanks, and votes of thanks were accorded to the staff’, auditor and past Committee. At a subsequent meeting of the new Committee Mr Hornblow was unanimously appointed Chairman. It was decided to engage the service- of a secretary. The Chairman and Mr Coley were appointed to operate on the bank account. Mr W. Book was appointed auditor subject to his consent. Resolved to review conditions for caretaker at next meeting, and call applications for I lie position. Resolved to endorse the Board’.- appointment of Mr S. J. McDonnell, of Pokako, Oliakune, as first assistant to the school. Other minor matters were discussed and the meeting rose.