SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 77, 9 May 1902, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Motueka School Committee was held last Monday evening. Present : Messrs Rankin (chairman), Wratt, Knapp. Quayle, Ryder and McFariane. The chairman thanked the Committee for electing him as their chairman for the ensuing year and stated that he would do his test in the interests of the school during his term of office. Accounts presented were passed,to be paid as soon as funds are available. Mr Knapp said he wished to refer to a remark he had heard on several occasions, which was to the effect that the late chairman, Mr Moffatt, had put the Committee in debt during his term of office and had then declined to continue as a member. He thought it a cruel shame that such remarks had beeu made ; it was not fair to say such things especially as they all knew the late chairman had spent a lot of time over educational matters during his term of office, and had undoubtedly done good work. Mr Wratt endorsed what Mr Knapp had said, and did not see the chairman, any more than other members of the Committee, was to blame, as the funds had been carefully administered. The chairman was surprised to hear of such a rumor, as no one could say that Mr Moffatt had not done his duty; he had worked well, and he’thought should place on record their appreciation of the late chairman’s services. He thoroughly endorsed what the previous speakers had said. The Headmaster’s monthly report was read. In reference to Mr Harris’ suggestion re notices to parents in reference to the absence of scholars, Mr Wratt considered the" idea of sending the notices to parents a very good one, as it brought parents and teachers in touch with each other. It was decided to authorise the Headmaster to procure the necessary stationary for sending out the notices. The chairman was authorised to procure a supply of firewood for the school.

The Education Board advised that .£2O had been passed for ditching etc, at the back of the teacher’s residence. It was agreed to meet on the ground on the following Wednesday afternoon to consider the best means of spending the grant. The chairman read a list of suggestions he had drawn up for discussion at the proposed meeting of delegates of teachers and Committees, re school attendance etc. It was decided, on the'motion of Mr Ryder, seconded by Mr Wratt, That -a conference of delegates be held on the 21st of May and that the chairman communicate with the persons interested, inviting their attendance. This concluded the business.