FOXTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3628, 21 April 1927, Page 3

FOXTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

ANNUAL REPORT.

The following is the committee’s report to be presented to the annual meeting of householders to be held in the school this evening

“In presenting the Committee’s annual report for the year just ended, I have pleasure in stating that much useful work has been accomplished and tho relations of the committee have been harmonious and characterised by hearty co-op-eration.

“During the year 12 statutory, one special and four sub-committee meetings have been held and the attendance of Committeemen has been most satisfactory. During the year Mr. Hornblow, who has been associated with the committee for tnnnv years, was elected to represent the Southern Ward on the Education Board, vice Mr. Alf Fraser, resigned, and your committee feel confident that he will prove a worthy successor to Mr. Fraser on the Board.'

“The school environment has received due attention from the committee and in this connection concrete kerbing Las replaced the turf edging and is a marked improvement to the. main approach to the school. The pine-trees, which overshadowed the western‘portion of the children’s play ground and which cast theii needles on the outhouses and sheds, thus detrimentally affecting the life of these buildings and causing cold drafts over this particular portion of the ground, have been removed. Your committee recommend the incoming committee to plant a live hedge along the western boundary before the season is too far advanced. Levelling and re-turfing the ground has also been done (vith spoil supplied gratuitously by the Council. There still remains a considerable amount of work to be done to put the playing areas in first-class order and funds will have to be raised for this purpose. “The establishment of the District High School in 3926 has necessitated the extension of the school ground for the purpose of erecting the necessary buildings for the accommodation of the classes. This has been made possible by the generosity of the members of the late Chief Ihakara Tukumaru’s family who donated the site contiguous to the school and adjoining Ihakara Garden. A special vote of thanks is due to the Nativeowncrs and . to those who were instrumental in amicably settling the basis upon which the gift was made. The plans and specifications for the new buildings have been approved by the Board and are now being given final consideration by the Department. “The side-school at Manawatu Heads is still conducted in the Hall which provides ample and suitable accommodation. In this connection special mention must be made of Mi’. Alsop, who takes a keen interest in the welfare of the sideschool.

“The matter of providing for the conveyance of children from Motuiti and Himitangi has also received attention, but owing to certain difficulties arising no definite step has yet been taken.

“As a result of a donation received from Mr. F. C. Hay upon which subsidy was obtained, a gramophone and records have been procured for the school. Other gifts have been duly acknowledged. In this connection the committee wishes to express its thanks to all who have shown their practical sympathy in school activities. “The annual concerts were held at Foxton and Manawatu Heads respectively and were the means of assisting the school funds. Reference to the balance-sheet will reveal that the proceeds thus raised have been devoted to ends which must be of permanent benefit to the school.

“The annual school picnic was held at Ashhurst on February 25th and, as on previous occasions, was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. The catering this year was carried out by the committee assisted by the staff, thus effecting a considerable saving and at the same time providing amply and liberally for the children’s needs. Your committee wishes to place on record its appreciation of the liberality of those who donated both in money and kind for the picnic. “We are pleased to note that under the present, headmaster and staff the school continues to maintain a high standard of efficiency in all departments, and has co-opera-ted heartily with the committee in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the pupils.

“The thanks of the committee are due to the Foxton Borough Council for the monetary assistance in connection with the settlement of rent for the secondary department and to the Anglican and Presbyterian churches, the Foxton Racing Club and other local institutions for providing ample accommodation for the secondary classes without which the Board and committee would have experienced difficulties. “It is with profound regret that we have to record the loss to the sehool community sustained by the death of Messrs Geo. €. Coley and W. Signal, ex-Committeeraen. “Messrs F. Woods (chairman) and Rev 1 . W. H. Walton are not seeking re-election to the committee, but the present sitting members, Messrs Alsop, Hutchins, Pcrrcan, Rangiheuca, Ross and Stevenson, offer themselves for reelection. The other nomination received are Messrs B. Ball, W. H., G. C. and J. W. Cloey, S. E. Cowley, A- G. Huntley, E. J. Murphy, W. D.

Neville, Fred Robinson, E. W. Sutton and F. G. Yco.

“In conclusion, the committee desire to thank all for loyal support accorded them during the year and for the very keen interest evinced in the welfare of the school, and to the Press for publicity.”

“The balance-sheet to the end of the financial year, has been previously published. The statement of receipts and expenditure since that date to the present are as follows : —Receipts—balances atl/3/27 Bank' £6O 7s 9d, P. 0.5.8. £39 8s 4d, picnic £l2 12s 3d, sports prize money £2 Is 9d, rent school residence £2 10s, total £ll6 Os Id. Expenditure.—Printing and stationery £2 3s 3d, fuel and lighting £l2 9s 2d, water charge 6/3, repairs and maintenance £1 Is 6d, children’s conveyance £5 10s Od, disinfectant £ll 6s Bd, rent £5 IOSj miscellaneous £1 10s 4d. Balances as at 21/4/27, Bank £37 14s 7d', P. 0.5.8. £3B 8s 4d.