School Committee.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4436, 15 July 1909, Page 2

School Committee.

A MEETING of thi To Aroha School Committee was held on Tues lay evening last. Present : Mr L). McL. Wallace (chairman), Revs. W. C. Blair and P. Clear}', Messrs J. Maingay and Geo. Sherlock (Hon Secretary.) The usual monthly circulars were read. The report for June shewed the number on the roll in the Primary to be 224 ; secondary, 19 ; and the average attendance 207.38, and 16.6 respectively. On Jnne 4th Miss B. Robertson, 8.A., in charge of the Secondary Department, was absent attending the “ Capping ” Ceremony at the Auckland University College. Replying to a letter from the Committee of the 24th ult , regarding the Committee’s responsibility should an accident happen to any workmen temporarily employed by them, the Education Board replied to the effect that they would indemnify the Committee from any ordinary risk; but recommended the Committee to insure casual workmen, such costs to be taken out of the school .funds,. .It was decided to have the Boarii’s reply copied in the minute book for future reference. Mrs A. L. Walker intimated that she intended to relinquish her duties as Custodian, as from 21st inst. The question of obtaining a suitable person was discussed, and left in the hands of the members to try and airange with someone to do the work.

The Headmaster (Mr A. F. Burton) reported that he had circularised parents andj guardians relative to sending their children more regularly to school. Tim response to this appeal was most satisfactory, with the result that at the present time there is a higher percentage of attendances t.hau has ever been the case in the school’s history. Should the attendance keep up it would be sufficent to entitle the School to the sar vices of an additional teacher at the end of the present year. It was pointed out that at present Miss Fawcett had no less than SO children under her care in the lower classes. This was considered far too many for any one teacher to do justice to. The Committee expressed its satisfaction at the response of the parents, and also the present state of the School. The question of having the privies connected with the sewer was discussed, and it-was decided to endeavour to got the Borough Council to continue the sewer up Bridgestreet with this end in view. The Chairman handed to pach Committeeman voting papers in connection with the approaching Board of Education election. The two gentlemen offering their services are Messrs L. J, Bagnall and A. J. Farmer.

A few accounts were passed for payment and the meeting terminated.