DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 486, 1 July 1919, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS.

OTAHUHU.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The monthly meeting of the Otahuhu School Committee took place on Thursday last, the Chairman [Mr H. Wiles) presiding. The chief matter for discussion was the official opening of the new school, which will take place on Saturday, July 13th. The two lady members of the Committee (who were elected for the first time at the last election) paid a surprise visit to the school recently. In their report, which was adopted at Thursday night's meeting, they paid a high compliment to the manner in which they considered the school was conducted by the staff. For some time past the uncomfortable conditions prevailing in the old school, due to over-crowding, hag been the subject of strong comment. In their report, the ladies spoke emphatically of the inadequate accommodation provided. In one room in particular, the report stated, there were about twice the number of pupils as allowed in the regulations. The seriousness of the position may be recognised by the fact, that every female teacher who has to conduct lessons there suffers temporary break-downs. A great deal of interest is being manifested by the teachers and pupils, in their efforts to augment the funds for the campaign in aid of the Sailors' Mission. A. series of concerts are being held and so far the results aro very satisfactory. On Wednesday next a " parents' day " will be held to enable the parents to witness the children at work. A sub-committee of five members was appointed to arrange for the open • ing ceremony of the new school.

COUNCIL MEETING The usual fortnightly meeting of tho Otahuhu Borough Council took place on Thursday last. The Mayor (Mr A. McDonald) presided, with the following members present: Crs H. Hall, R. Todd, F. Andrews, T. Clements, F. Bradley, H. Stringer, and A. Cummings.

A letter was received from Mr H. Faterson re filling in ditch in front of his new house in Church street to enable him to erect a fence thereon. The matter was referred to the Works' Committee for consideration.

Messrs Cook and Clark wrote drawing attention to the bad condition of the road near their gates. This matter was also referred to the Works Committee.

Mrs E. Cook complained of the night service cart calling at her place before the time specified in the contract. The letter was received.

Mr 0. McGee wrote stating that the Council cart had not gathered the rubbish he had placed for the men in connection with the '' cleaning up " week undertaken some time ago. The Town (Jlerk explained that when the cart called, no rubbish was ready for the men.

A letter was received from tbe Mtßicbmon Domain Board stating tnat the body in question contemplated erecting a brick wall on the Great South Koad and requested the services of the foreman of the Otahuhu borough in supervising the work. The Council agreed to sanction the foreman giving up some of hia time to the work mentioned. The One Tree Hill Koad Board wrote urging the assistance or the Otahuhu Borough Council te bring about the pre-war suburban train service.—lt was agreed to fall in with the request. The Napier Borough Council wrote asking for the assistance of all Borough Councils in urging upon the Government the desirability of making Anzac Day a statutory holiday.—The letter was " received."

The Mayor submitted the report from the Legal and Finance Committee, which was adopted. Arising out of the report was an application from the Engineer to the Council (Mr Lockio Gannon) for the sum of £'), which, he claimed was illegally deducted from his charge for work done in connection with the sowerage in King street about three years ago.—lt was resolved to pay the Engineer the £. r ). A supplementary estimate of £i) 'Js for an approach to the new park from Kailway street was submitted by the Chairman of the Legal and Finance Committee.—lt was decided to include the item in the Works Committee's estimates for the year's work.

The question of reinstating the municipal band was introduced by the Mayor. He stated that some of tho men recently returned from the front, who had been connected with tho band in pre-war days, had urged him to bring the matter forward.— The matter was referred to the Public Service Committee, for consideration and a report. Ur Todd brought forward the matter of the overhanging trees in Avenue road. Tie cited the owners in default, and it was decided to notify tlm owners of tho complaint. Tho need for additional lights for the town was brought before tho Council, and it was decided to refer the matter to the Public Service Committee for a report.

Mr W. A. Veitch, MP, asked tho Director of Agriculture, Dr C. J. Roakes, at tho Industries Committee at Wellington what the net cost to the country of instructing the farmer was. Dr Reakps could not answer off-hand. Mr Veitch :Is there any spocial levy on any particular industry, or does the money all come out of tho Consolidated Fund' Dr Reakes : It all comes out of the Consolidated Fund, into which the revenue from the experimental farms, which is consi lorable, is paid.