OTAHUHU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 370, 26 April 1918, Page 3

OTAHUHU

MEETING OF HOUSEHOLDERS The annual meeting of householders held in Otahuhu Public School on Monday evening, 22nd inst. was well attended, showing the interest that the public of Otahuhu take in educational matters. The Schoolmaster's and Inspector's "reports were highly satisfactory, showing that the teaching staff maintains a high state of discipline and general efficiency in school work.

The Committee, in their annual report, stated (inter alia): The attendance of pupils at the school continues to increase steadily, the roll number now being 532. The work of the school has been greatly handicapped during the year by the eenous overcrowding, in spite of this the results of the examination were highly satisfactory. 29 pupils secured Certificates of Proficiency, four obtained Certificates of Competency and four passed the examination for Junior Free Places. The headmaster and staff invi'e the earnest co-operation of the parents to eliminate the sinful waste of food by children who bring lunch to school. In many cases far too much lunch 1 is given, the result being that large quantities are wasted daily. During the year the Committee has made a special effort to obtain new school buildings, deputations to the Board at Auckland being very well received and the visits of the ward members to the school and grounds being met by the members of the Committee available. We are pleased to state that our efforts have been so fir (•uccessful that the plans for the new schools are about ready and also that a shelter shed has been erected, which can be used for the purpose of a relief class room. The Education Board has purchased the rear half of all sections of land, faring Station Road, between the school and Mr T. Brown's property. The Committee are alto pleased to inform householders that th«> new road to the Favona Estate has been promsed to be started immediately, this will be of good use to the children attending our schools.

Beveral motions as suggested by the City School Committers and Educational lustitute of New Zealand were submitted to the householders and were adopted unanimously.

Begret was expressed at the departure of Mr D. OLrkson from the district as he had been an enthusiast in school matters and had served on the committee for 12 years The' Chairman, on behalf of the Committee wished Mr Claikson success snd God speed for his future usefulness.

Jbe voting was then proceeded with, Messrs Gibson and Slyfield, acting as scrutineers and the following were elected as the School Committee, viz., Messrs G. W. Kemplay, E CuTrie, J. Hunter, F. Henry, H. J. Moffitt, J. H. Nodwell, E. West, C. Whitmore and H. Wills. Messrs Thwaites and Sholton being the unsuccessful candidates.

At the close of the public meeting the new Committee met and elected Mr J. Hunter as Chairman and Mr G. W. Kemplay as secretary and treasurer.

ANZAC DAY GATHERING. In commemoration of the anniversary of Anzac Day a combined religious service was held in the Public Hall, Otahuhu, last evening, when there was a good attendance The Mayor (Mr A. McDonald) presided and was supported on th« platform by the Vicar (the Rev. H. Mason), Captain Vivian (Balvation Army), Mr F. Souster (Methodist Home Missioner), and Crs H. J. Hall, A. J. Wildman, H. V. Stringer, H.J. Moffitt, R Todd F R Field and the Town Clerk (Mr W. J. DJnmson). An apology was receive 1 from the Rev. W. T. Currie, who was unavoidably absent. After the singing of the National Anthem and of a prayer offered un by Captain Vivian the hymn " <) God Our Help in Ages Past " was sung. The 91«t Psalm was then read by Mr F. Souster and the singing of the hymn "God of Our Fathers known t f old " followed.

" Lest we Forget" was th subject of an address by the l{«v. H Mason who in reminding all present of the noble deeds done by thi gallant boys in connection with Galhpoli three years ago ana of tin true heroism displayed on that memorable occasion asked that those who were unable to serve on the field of battle and were left to carry on the various duties in civil life should do their best to make this country a worthy one for the rn turned soldier by the removal of those barriers of social evil which obstructed the path of true progress In this connection he that

both men and women should en

deavour to uphold the best traditions of life and do their duty in their respective spheres faithfully

and well

After the address the hymn " For all the Saints who from their labours I rest" was then feelingly hy I the audience and in m»morv "f those " hoys " who had fallen during the j past year the .Rev. Mason asknd rh>-1 audience to stand in silence, wlii: h j was solemnly done. Kindly reference was made hy T h" Mayor to those Otahuhu "hoys" who had gained military honour-'. His Worship mentioning the nimc> of Privates Baker, Patterson ami I Brown, who had displayed great 1 bravery on the field f< r which they had received military n cognition Of those " hoys " Otahuhu, he said, was distinctly proud. After »he Benediction hid he.-n pronounced tii" closed wi'h the sirring of tl.»* liymn " Holy Father in Thy Men y In consequence f 'he Commemoration Service last eight's meeting of

the Borough Council was aJjournnd until Tuesday evening A pleasing ceremony recently took place in connection with the Otihuhu Ladies' Croquet Club when Mrs Allport, who recently resigned the position of Secretary which she had held for several years, was presented with a hand-bag a.° a small token of appreciation of her sevvict-s 90 faithfully rendered. Mr Fred Hunter, eldest son of Mr J. Hunter, of Otahuhu, has resigned his position in the postal service to take up an examination for ship's wireless operator. He has already qualified for wireless telegraphy and holds his certificate of proficiency, but it becomes necessary for him to sit at a special examination to obtain a permit as a ship's operator. Mr Hunter was for some time on the staff of the Pukekohe Post Office and is highly respected throughout the district,

A quiet but pretty wedding took place in the Otahuhu Presbyterian Church on Wednesday when Dr. Elizabeth McDonald, sister of Dr. P. H. McDonald, of Otahuhu, was united in matrimony to Dr. Robert Bryson, of Levin. The Rev. Mr Currie officiated. The bride, who was charmingly dressed in a brown silk coat frock, made with transparent ninon sleeves and front worn over pale salmon pink silk, with golden brown velvet hat to match, was given away by her brother. The ceremony was private and only a few intimate friends were in attendance.