THE MAUKU SCHOOL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 231, 18 September 1914, Page 3

THE MAUKU SCHOOL.

I Good Improvements ! Effected.

(From Our Mauku Correspondent.!

THE ADDITIONS DESCRIBED. As considerable additions have just been completer] to the Mauku school it is interesting to note the progress made since the present headmaster, Mr C. A. Gutry, took charge some seven years ago. At this time there were only about 20 children on the roll under charge of one teacher. In a short while after Mr Gutry's appearance the numbers began to increase and it became necessary to have an attsisstant teacher, Miss Barriball ably filling the position. Later on this ladv's place was taken by Miss McNaughton who had received part of her education at this school, her father at one time having been headmaster. Miss McNaughton held the position for some years and proved a very capable assistant, being generally loved by the children. Matrimonial attractions, however, induced Miss McNaughton to re linquish the billet and her place was taken by a very efficient assistant in the person of Miss Kenny, this lady with the headmaster (Mr Gutry) being the present staff. About this time the roll number had greatly increased and the room that was built for 60 children was doing duty for over 90. Naturally, teaching under such conditions was very irksome, and constant applications for additions from the school committee to the Education Board were of no avail. Mr Gutry did his best under very trying circumstances, and his energy and ability continued to hold the school to a forward movement, and on every occasion the inspector visited his reports were of the best.

However, the chairman of the committee, Mr E. Gillon, knowing the cramped quarter! and harmful health conditions that the staff and children were under, made a special trip to see the Board of Education's member for the ward, Mr C. T. Barriball, and induced him to make a call and see for himself the state of affairs. This had tbe desired result, for after Mr Barriball had personally seen the conditions he was able to make representations to the Board with the result that consent was given for an additional room.

Mr Barriball deserves tbe thanks not only of the committee but of the parents for the trouble he has taken in the matter and the way he has always acceded to the representations of the cummittee. To the staff the increased facilities are indeed welcomed, for to teachers who take such interest in their work, and the children under them, it is only right and proper that they should have adequate accommodation. Not only is the ordinary syllabus thoroughly carried out but the children are specially instructed in duties and manners, the school being second to none in tbe province. This statement is borne out by the inspector's reports. Ihe gardening operations, which add so much to the appearance of tbe grounds, receive very particular can and attention under Mr Gutry, and besides being of valuable instruction to the pupils make one of the best school displays around the district. The new additions which consist of a class-room, 20 x 24, are connected with the old school by doubling the size of the porch. This porch, as well as giving extra space for wash basins, can be used as a«class room if required, there being a glass door connecting with the new room so that the headmaster can see the work proceeding. Iraide the new room there is ample cupboard accommodation, blackboards are fixed and a heating stove has been fitted up. Tbe stove is protected by an iron structure which makes an excellent place to dry the children's coats on wet days. The room is finished with a dado and upright match-lining, neatly picked out in serviceable colours, the ceilings and walls being well finished with white cluresco. A new shelter-shed 20 x 10, and hvgenic outbuildings, and an effective drainage scheme are also part of the new improvements. The whole of the outer walls of both new and old buildings have been well painted, and altogether the premises should serve for many years to come, l'he work has all been satisfactorily carried through bv Mr J. T. Hewaon, of Pukekohe, in bis usual thorough manner. AN OPENING CELEBRATION. To celebrate the opening of the improvement?, and in honour of the occasion, it was decided by the committee to hold a social evening. This tcok place on Friday evening, and the largest crowd that ever assembled at the school was present and spent a very enjoyable time. The parent! of pretty well all the pupils turned out, as well as friends and visitors from adjoining districts. The chairman, Mr E. Gillon, Messrs May, Nicholls, A. Franklin and Mr Gutry had spared no trouble to provide a pleasant and sociable evening, Mr May kindly lending his piano for tbe occasion. After the singing of the National Anthem the first part of the programme was supplied by several talented vocalists, whose efforts all met with marked approval. Mr E. Gillon, in welcoming all present to the function, spoke of the progress made by the school since Mr Gutry's advent. He also offered congratulations to Mr W. R. Wright for his safe return to the district after his trip to the Homeland, Mr Wright having for many years ably filled the position of secretary to the school committee. Mr Wright, in expressing thanks for the kind wished offered, said he was glad to be borne safe, He felt that if he had stayed a way much longer hi; would, owing to the war, have been unable to fcjet back ho easily. The programme was opened by Mr Hemsworth with a very correct rendering of "Will o' the Wisp,'' Miss Muir following in a charming manner with a favourite item, "Absent." The patriotic wave was well met with Mr Gutry's singing of "Ihe Lads in Navy Plue," all vigorously joining in the chorus. Mr Win, Guthrie met with marked applause for his singing of "Thorn," and to an encore replied with "Far, Far Away" (comic), the troubles of a fireman and the tale of "pulling 1 mother-in-law through death's door' causing general merriment. The i songs "Thinking of Thee'' by Mr I Davis, junr., and "The I ittle Mulshipmite" by Mr Davie, senr,. were well rendered and received. An elocutionary item, "lack (hilly, ' wan cleverly portrayed by Mr J. Gillon, and met with appreciation.

The second pait of the programme I consisted of dancing in the new room ard children's games in the old room, lbe dancing was continued with surprising vigor till early morning, and at intervals further vocal items were given bv Mr Wm, Guthrie, who met with very vigorous applause for his unrnistakeable talent. Mr and Miss Hemaworth also greatly pleased the company with their rendering of "Life's Dream is O'er," their voices blending harmoniously. Miss Zinzan proved an able accompanist, and willingly carried cut tbesc duties. As M.'sC, Messrs V. Wright and J. Forbes were particularly attentive.

During the second part of the programme Mr Gutry extended a hearty welcome to all parents and friends on behalf of the teachers. Be felt sure they were all pleased to see the new "torture chambsr" as some callei it. He said he understood from the committee that the funds collected from this entertainment were to be handed in towards a school library. He hoped that when this was established that it would contain books for parents as well as children. He was pleased to announce that Mr W. Nicholls had generously oiTeied to pay the expenses of this entertainment tonight, so that the whole of the money collected could go towards the librarv fund. (Hearty applause).

An excellent supper was provided by the ladies, all who attended bringing baskets of dainty and appetising comestibles. Mesdames May, Nobbs, Nicholls (2), Zinzan, Gillon, Franklin and Gutry and Miss Meikle did willing work in geting the Hupper ready and also attending in the more inglorious labour of clearing up afterwards, committee members attending on Saturday so as to put things to rights for school on Monday.

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