RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Issue 1690, 17 January 1873, Page 3

RIVERTON.

(FBOM OUB OWN COBBKSPOKDEirrS.) 15th January. Monday evening last being the time appointed for the election of school committees for the current year, a meeting for that purpose took place in the Gummy's Bush school- house, when there was a pretty fair attendance. The following gentlemen were duly elected a committee, viz., Messrs Francis, John Allison, Jas. Allison, FTopcroff, M'Kay, and A. M'Naughton. The teacher, Mr A. B. Tuson, then urged upon the committee the necessity of fixing a scale of school fees, and the time when payments should be made, as much dissatisfaction existed on those points during the past year. It was ultimately resolved that the fees should be 10s per quarter of 12 weeks, and, in the case of four children of the same family attending the school, the fourth to be free. The subject of the Wild's Bush school was then discussed. Some of the gentlemen present suggested that the school-house (Gummy's Bush) was not sufficiently central to enable all the scholars to be educated under the one roof. Mr Tuson suggested that the committee would do well to petition the Government for a site on the Maori Reserve, or apply to Mr MGillirray for a piece of land to build a school h<mse on the opposite side of the road, about a mile or so from the Jacob's River Bridge, the present building remaining as a teachtr's residence. This he thought would be satisfactory to tbe majority, if not all the residents. A schoolroom, he thought, some 16 by 22 feet, would be ample, and could be built for about £30. I am informed that Mr Tuson intends giving a demonstration early next month for the purpose of raising funds to purchase prizes for his scholars, when it is to be hoped it will be well supported. He also intends giving the Sunday-school children a treat next week. Until the present bad weather set in, the crops in the neighborhood of Gutnmy's Bush were looking very promising ; but I fear if the present weather continues long, it will do no small damage, and also delay the harvest. On the 14th the Steam Thrashing Machine Company held a meeting, but owing to the bad weather prevailing at the time, the attendance was very poor. 1 am informed that it is intended to metal that portion of the road, between | here and Gummy's Bush, which is in ! most need of repair. A meeting was held on the evening of the 13th at Birch Bush, near Wild's Busb, to elect a chairman and committee for the school in the Wild's Bush district. The school is at present conducted by Mr Tuson, in conjunction with tbe one at Gummy's Busb, and is held at Birch Bush, there being no available place for the purpose at Wild's Bush. E. Gillow, Esq., was elected chairman, and Messrs Watson, Woods, Hayes, and Garden members of committee. No business will be transacted until sufficient time bas been allowed for the perusal of. the Ordinance by tbe members.