SCHOOL COMMITTEE,

Motueka Star, Volume III, Issue 129, 7 November 1902, Page 4

SCHOOL COMMITTEE,

_The ordinary monthly meeting of the Motueka School Committee was qeld last Monday evening. Present : Messrs Rankin (chairman), Wratt, Knapp, Macfarlane and Quayle Minutes of previous meeting read and adopted. Accounts presented were passed for payment. Betters received from the Secretary. Nelson Education Board, advising payment into the Bank of New Zealand of amounts to pay Messrs Miller and Eginton’s accounts; also re visit of Inspector of Schools.

The Chairman detailed what had been done at the conference with Mr Hogben with reference to school attendance during nop and fruit picking season. Mr Knapp moved a vote of thanks to the chairman and other members of the deputation who waited upon the Inspector General of schools during his late visit. Seconded by Mr Macfarlane and carried. It was resolved to write to the Nelson Education Board to extend the holiday period for Motueka from eight to ten weeks during the year. The Headmaster’s report, as read, disclosed the fact that there were 178 names on the roll ; during the month 8 had entered the school and 4 left, being an increase of 4. The attendance since the examination had only been moderate. The schedules furnished by the Inspector had been received, but the official report was not yet to hand. The' health officer had visited the school and found everything satisfactory. The question of having a concert amongst the school children had been discussed by the teachers, who found there would be a difficulty in obtaining a piano for the school to be paid for by instalments with the proceeds from concerts. On the other hand it was mooted that they should tiy and hire a piano for the.occasion and devote the proceeds of the concert to some other objects which would benefit the school. The teachers would like the Committee to discuss the matter. The question of holding a school treat was also referred to.

During the discussion on the report, the Headmaster said that Mr Wilkes had suggested the erection of shelter sheds for the use of the scholars during hot and cold weather and when it was wet. It was eventually resolved, on the motion of Mr Wratt, seconded by Mr Quayle, That the Chairman Messrs Ryder and Knapp be a sub committee to report as to the cost of suitable shelter sheds and that application be made to the Board for authority to erect same.

With reference to the suggested school concerts, members all commended the idea as an excellent one and it was decided, on the motion of Mr Knapp, seconded by Mr Wratt, That the Committee heartily approves of the proposal and will do all in its power to assist.

Having decided to discuss to question of a school treat at the next meeting, the committee adjourned.