SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Motueka Star, Volume IV, Issue 179, 8 May 1903, Page 4

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Motueka Borough School Committee was held on Tuesday evening. Present : Messrs Moiiatt (chairman), KnappyW. ami H. Boyce, Jordan and Boundyy Minutes of first meeting of the new committee read and confirmed'. The committee went into the question- of finances and after examination of accounts owing on the Ist of May it was found that the committee started with a debit balance of £Q 2s Id.

It was resolved, on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr Knapp, that an appeal be made to the parents and guardians of children attending the schools soliciting the sum of one shill - ing each for the purchase of firewood for the schools.

Headmaster's Report for the Month of April.

Total on Roll: —1S0 ; 17 entered during the month, and 19 removed. Average last week, 148. This means that more than an an average of 30 are absent every day. While the long holidays were on I had hoped that when the school started a good average would be maintained. I have been disappointed in this, ana can only say that we shall have great difficulty in making a ;:ood appearance at the annual examination.

The school is, with the exception of the attendance, in excellent working order.

I beg that the committee will discuss the. following matters : —(1) The question ot erecting a partition in the main room. (2) The question of shelter sheds (3) Cutting the hedges. (4) Allowing the teacher to insert a window in the dining room of his residence. (5) Cleaning and repairing the spouting round the school. I shall be glad to give any *nlormaticn about the above. T.'A. Harris xM.A. A discussion on the report ensued and it was unanimously resolved That application be made to the Education Board for the alterations and additions alluded to, also for a picket fence for the front of the school grounds, and that the Chairman and Mr Knapp be a committee to procure estimate of cost of work referred to. With reference to the irregular attendance, and the absolute necessity of securing a more satisfactory average for the year, it was carried, on the motion of Mr Jordan, seconded by Mr Boyce, That the committee, having heard the report of the Headmaster re attendance views with alarm, the state of affairs, and as the scholars will have great difficulty in being prepared for the annual examination the committee are forced reluctantly to compel attendance according to the provisions of the Attendance Act;

It was also resolved, on the motion of Mr W. Boyce, seconded by Mr Jordan, That the Headmaster he requested to issue a circular to the parents informing them that if children attend irregularly the matter will be placed in the hands of the police.

On the motion of Mr Jordan a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Harris and the other teachers, for their kindness and thoughtfulness in organising picnics and walking parties for the children on Saturdays, members speaking most favorably of the innovation. This concluded the business.