MOA SCHOOL COMMITTEES' ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 August 1920, Page 2

MOA SCHOOL COMMITTEES' ASSOCIATION.

(From Our Own; Correspondent.) The quarterly meeting of the above was held in the Ingleirood School wi Saturday, 7th Inst. Present: Messrs. Sutherland (In the chair), Corney (Norfolk), Brtttoln (IVaiongona), Hunker (Taraki), Hodges (Durham), and Simpson (Executive) • The chairman, in stating that the secretary (Mr, Simpson) had intimated lie would not lie connected with any school committee In future, .and therefore could not hold office in the Association, considered they should retain Mr. Simpson's services, na lie had boen instrumental in forming the Association, and had given much time to its work. He moved thill Mr. Simpson ho appointed a life member. Sir. Hucljßr seconded. Mr. Simpsou thanked the members for their re;inn, ami stated the reason he would not "r.'ipt office on a local committee was thai, twenty odd years' work, he found that invents with five to. eight children attending school did not take any Interest In school mintters, and he thought aB his children had Frown up the fairest thing to do was to cause nihers to have a go at school committee work.

The chairman and Mr.. Hodges gave an Interesting resume of the business transacted at the late School Committees' Association's Conference, the former stating that no ddubt members would be pleased to see that Mr. S. (J. Smith, M.P., had been elected President of the Dominion Association, a worthy recognition of the work that Mr. Smith had done towards education.

The election of officers resulted as follows: Chairman, Mr. ,T. Sutherland; secretary, Mr. J. Simpson; executive, Messrs. Corney, Hodges, and Busker.

VISUAL EDUCATION. Mr. Simpson brought up the question of getting more information as to the benefit of visual education, and quoted newspaper reports of what had been doqe In America. The chainman stated that the matter Was one at present receiving close consideration by the executive, and no doubt more would be heard about the matter. PHYSICAL CULTURE. Mr. Hodges brought up the question of physical culture, hoping the Association would do all possible to see that it was extended to country schools. The chairman mentioned that this also was receiving the attention of the executive. Much discussion took place regarding this question, and members expressed the opinion that country children were not receiving a square deal with regard to assistance on this matter, also in regard to medical inspection. Mr. Simpson mentioned that, according to a late Hansard, soveral members had questions In the House on this subject, and no doubt something towards Improvement would ensue. HALF-YEARLY CONFERENCES. Mr. Simpson moved, "That with the view of bringing the work of the School Committees' Association in closer touch with the householders of the various districts, this' branch Is of the opinion that It Is desirable to hold half-yearly conferences at places where the number "of affiliated commitles warrant such, and would respectfully ask the executive to give the matter fullest consideration." Much discussion ensued, members agreeing that it would help to arouse more interest in the Individual committees, and through them, the householders, if the suggestion were adopted. The work of the half-yearly conference would also help the business of the yearly conference In many ways. The motion was seconded by Mr. Brittain and carried.

SIZE OF CLASSES. The chairman stated that In answer to a question re above, the executive had this matter in view. OUT-BACK SCHOOLS. In order to strengthen the hands of the executive, and in the hope that interested committees would also give voice to the matier. it was resolved: "As indications have It that great alterations are proposed to be made by the Education Department!in Improving educational facilities, It behoves members of committees and householders gener-1 airy to take more Interest In educational matters in order that the children of out-back schools get. the tallies* cflnslderaillon, and tliis branch is of opinion that more assistance an'el encouragement be given committees in such places; also that, the teachers of such schools should receive more adequate remuneration than has obtained in tho past. Further, that better provision should be made la regard to boarding and travelling allowances to teachers in out-back schools." SWIMMING. The chairman explained what had been done in regard to Rising tho Inglewood baths for swimming lessons for the children of outlying schools, and further stated that at. the next meeting a comprehensive scheme would be brought down. 'He hadn't the slightest doubt but that the Borough Council Would do all possible to encourage the children to use the llnlhs,—Held'over. ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY. Mr., Hodges asked If it was possible lo get teachers and older pupils to devote a certain time to attend the centre In regard to the study of astronomy, and he thought something should be done In the matter. It was decided to ask the executive to try and make arrangements with the Astronomical Society with regard to attendance at the observatory, ahd the secretary wa,s authorised to write to the secretary of the Society regarding the matter. GENERAL. The secretary stated that he had the sum of 8s 5d in hand. Many committee's forward»d their contributions direct to the head office, and the local branch did not have much expense to meet. The near future would mean that contributions from committees should be slightly increased, out ha would hold the matter in abeyance until the next meeting.