SCHOOL AFFAIRS

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 208, 17 July 1939, Page 2

SCHOOL AFFAIRS

MEETING OF COMMITTEE WAIOEKA DEPUTATION TRANSPORT OF CHILDREN The Opotiki District High School Committee met in the school cm Wednesday evening. Rev. A. -U. Hampton (chairman), occupied the chair. Others present were: Rev. A. I‘VAttv.’oocl, W. Andersen; L. D. Du If. G. Peagram, J'. Mansell. The headmaster. Air. A. S. cle Alontaik, and the Education -Board’s architect, Mr. Miller, were also present. The minutes of the previous'meeting were read and confirmed. Air. Anderson reported on behalf of a committee, regarding the school apparatus, and made the recommendation that sand he ..placed around the* swings. It was agreed to accept- the recommendation. Air-. Peagram said that they had gone into the question of the swings and a‘suitable method had been decided on to effect improvements. Rev. Attwood reported on repairs, to doors. Repairs had been ordered to be; effected to prevent draughts. Outward correspondence included a protest- to the Education Board concerning the state of the primary school, stating that- Opotiki was beingoverlooked and asking that the matter he rectified at- once. A further, letter requested authority to purchaseheaters for the halls being used. Transport of Children, A deputation ef Waioeka residents - - consisting of Mr. Redpath and Air. and Mrs. Watkins waited on the committee in connection with the transport* of children to the main school. Mr. Redpath said he understood it. was proposed to run a- bus 17 miles up* at 3U,s per day and asked for an extension of the service, to do the whole ul the road. Mr. Hampton said he knew the difficulties which faced the pettiers. 'I he committee would do all -in its power toassist. Airs. Watkins supported' Mr. Recipatli, Air. Hampton said the Opotiki committee really had no control over: the particular district. Mr. Peagram asked how many children would be affected by the exten-t-ion. Air. JYatk.ins said that I'3 children would he affected. The first 17f mileswould affect only seven additional children beyond the pah. * Mr. Duff read! a, telegram which gave authority to accept a- tender for carriage of children. Air. Hampton said a number of letters and wires were received which, suggested the children be -picked up at Warrington’s road. Another telegram suggested that the bus run as far as Walker’s and tenders liacl been called and accepted. The service would commence on Alondav. A bus will take children to. Oponae where a teacher will be stationed. Air. Hampton said from an economy point- of view it was disastrous. It was decided to support the deputation’s request suggesting that a three years’ contract- with a minimum of at least 12 months contract, be arranged insead of the day-to-day arrangement at present. Alembers commented that the children’s safety was at stake. Some* children had not attended school tcr some months.