SCHOOL EXCURSION.

Te Aroha News, Volume XVI, Issue 222040, 23 January 1900, Page 2

SCHOOL EXCURSION.

As arranged at the public meeting called to discuss this matter, a committee meeting was convened in the Town Hall last night to arrange details. Mr Knock occupied the chair, and there were present: Messrs Bell (secretary), Mace, Oombie,* By grave, Laveiy, Robinson, Bossons, Hodgson, and Hetherington Messrs Burton and Rennick were present by invitation. Before the commencement of the meeting Mr McCord entered, and stated that he had engiged the hall from Mr O’Meagher for a public meeting. Mr Knock informed him that he knew nothing about that as he (Knock) had engaged the hall for a committee meeting and intended to use it accordingly. Mr McGo d then left. A long discussion then ensued as to the date for the excursion, the idea of having it on 3rd February, as originally intended, having to be abandoned on account of there being a public holiday (Show - Day) fixed for that week already. As the races took place the following week, that had also to be abandoued as a possible week, and eventually Thursday, 22nd February, was fixed upon. The Railway Department insisted on a guarantee of £6O being made, and tills on the basis of charging adults 4s 6<l an! children Is 9d, would mean that 20& tickets of each sort would have to be sold. It was suggested that tickets should bo put out for sale at once, with a notification that the sale sh mid stop 10 days prior to day of excursion. This would enable the committee to see how they were placed for funds, and if insufficient encouragement had offered, the ticket money could be refunded. The Chairman thought they should go on with the affair, as he was sure there would be no difficulty in getting the required number, especially if they asked the Waihou, Te Aroha West, and Waiorongomai districts to join with them. It was decided to write to the Chairmen of the School Committee of these places the Gordon, Waharoa and Mor- . rinsville districts beiug added, and also to the headteachers of the achods in these places. The former will be ; asked to declare the date of the excursion (22nd February) a school holiday . - A SCENE, At this stage Mr O’Meagher entered

the hall in a state of considerable ex cite uent and requested to be informed by whose authority that meeting was sitting in his hall. The Chairman stated that the hall had been duly engaged by himself ; and Mr Croinbie substantiated this statement. Mr O’Meagher informed the meeting that the hall was his hall, and that tho sooner those pr.scnt get outside the better Thereupon he turned down the light, which Mr Croinbie at once urned up. The turning up and tuning down process was repeated several times with considerable emphasis, F nally the meeting adjourned to the billiard -room of the Hot Springs Hotel. Mr O’Meagher being left in possession of his property, locked the doer thereof, and went home.

The meeting having resumed business in its new quarters, decided that the authorities in connection with the outlying schools be made fully aware of what, was being done here in the way of raising money for the children’s fares, and asking them to follow This was done So that Te Aroha should not be expected to pay for all the children who might come along. It was agreed to thank file Band who had promised the services (free) I of twelve performers, the only condition being that their fares he paid. ] Mr Knock was elected Treasurer, and was accorded a vote of thanks for liis services as chairman, after which the meeting terminated.