SHANNON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Shannon News, 5 April 1928, Page 3

SHANNON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MONTHLY MEETING.

The above meeting was held in the Schoolroom last evening. Present: Messrs R. L. Tippler (chairman), A. Blackwood, A. Coates, J. Riches, E. Butt, J. Bowler, G. Booker, and A. T. White (headmaster). The following is a copy of a letter received from the Education Board forwarded to them by Mr Hunter, Director of Dental Hygiene, to be circulated among .the school committees: —“He had received letters of complaint from parents drawing his attention to a .pernicious practice that prevails throughout the Dominion. He referred to the distribution to the children of manufactured concentrated sugar in the form of sw'eets and highly sweetened cakes at all school break-ups, picnics, parties, etc. The letter states that in these day's when so much thought is given and money expended by the Government in the best interests of the health of the children it is much to be regretted that these efforts are nullified to a great extent, by the mistaken kindness of local bodies, school committees, etc. Besides being very unfair to the Department’ concerned, it must be extremely irritating and discouraging to sensible parents who are doing their best to bring up their children in a rational healthy manner. It is considered that when local bodies, school committees, etc., realise the great harm that is done to the health of the children by such foodstuffs they will co-operate with the Departments in the interests of the children by eliminating such and substituting food to which exception cannot be taken. It is absurd for the Government to train dental nurses for the purpose not only of providing expensive dental treatment for children, but also of instructing parents and children in the methods of preventing dental disease, if local bodies, school committees, and others arc going to do their best to assist in producing the disease.” —The letter‘was \ referred to the incoming committee. ' A letter was received from the Board stating that Mr G. Booker had been authorised to repair the school gate at the main entrance.

/ The secretary reported that lie had received the balance sheet from the auditors; everything being satisfactory. The chairman said it was the first time since he had been on the committee that the balance sheet had come back without a tag; therefore the secretary, Mr Bovis, was to be congratulated. It was decided to call tenders for the supply of ten cords of 18-ineh and twofoot rata firewood.

It was resolved that a letter of appreciation be forwarded to Mrs Merwood, who is leaving Shannon, for the valuable services rendered by her, in assisting to raise funds for the school on different occasions. HEADMASTER’S REPORT.

The headmaster (Mr A. T. White) reported that the fence adjoining Mrs Better’s property wanted tightening up and some battens were required. He asked if the committee would consider removing back the fence on the north side of the horse paddock. The, road fence also wanted renewing.—ln reference to the latter it was decided to write to the Board pointing out that the fence wants renewing; it was also resolved to repair the fence adjoining Mrs Rctlcr’s" property, she to pay half the cost. In regard to the horse paddock fence the chairman and secretary were appointed to see if it is practicable to remove it back.

Messrs Wilkinson and Hyde had given one of a series of picture entertainments in aid of the. school fund, which had benefited to the extent of £6 0s fid. Another will be given at an early date. The firm were accorded a vote of thanks for their generosity. Notification was received that the school furniture from the Mangahao school was being removed to the school. The average attendance for the past four weeks is 337, 339, 342, and 339; quarterly average 341. The roll number is 359. The admissions for the quarter were 48 and withdrawals 50; the latter including a number of Standard VI proficiency and competency pupils who were counted as pupils until February Ist. It was decided that it be a recommendation to the inepming committee to push forward the claims for a dental clinic and septic tank.