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SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

TARANAKI MEMBERS CONFER*

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

The annual conference of the Taranaki School Committees’ Association was held at Stratford yesterday. Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., presided over a good attendance. Artiong those present were Messrs. J. W. McMillan (Mayor of Stratford), K. Masters, M.P., a member of the Board of Education, and H. Trimble (a member of the Education Board). An apology was received from Mr. P. J. H. White (chairman of the Education Board).

Delegates were present as follows: —Rev. W. Avery (Kaponga), B. Webby (Riverlea), H. Thrush and J. Carlson (Finnerty), Mrs. Cuthbert and E. J. Hutchinson (Pembroke), T. E. Bell (Stanley), G. L. Bacon (Marco), D. M. (Pohokura), W. Pinhey, E. G. Foster, C. I>. Sole, and E. A. Alger (Stratford), P. W. Glennie (Inglewood), J. Garcia (West End), A. J. Chainey (Toko), K. Gredig (Lepperton), J. F. Reeve (Norfolk Road), C. F. Mundt (Kaimiro), F. A. Reeve (Egmont Road), J. Hucker (Tarlid), and Mrs. Wallace (Midhirst).

The executive, in its annual report, stated that the year had been one of steadyprogress. The report proceeded: "The activity of branches was not so marked as in former years, but a satisfactory feature was the Increased interest by smaller committees, especially in outlying districts. It was to be regretted that the Education Amendment Act, passed last year, though containing some features that were in accordance with the expressed wishes of school committees, included a further apparent tendency towards centralisation of control in Wellington. This was a matter that required constant watching, otherwise it might be found when too late that tte incentive for local interest in education, so vital to the system, had been killed by officialdom. It regretted that the financial side of the association had not yet been placed on a satisfactory footing, many committees unnecessarily delaying the forwarding of their annual affiliation fee. In view of the possibility of impending legislation, which might still further wtittle. away the present limited powers of boards and committees, and the necessity for assured finance to carry on the good work of the association, it was trusted that all committees would promptly forward their annual fees. In consequence of the matters mentioned above, and the possibility of attempts to curtail education expenditure, there sp•peared much work ahead for the Incoming executive, for whom was asked the confidence and support of all committees in the ois- | trief.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the ctairman stressed the need for putting the finances on a better basis. From 150 school committees in Taranaki the sum of £lO 13s 9d had been received in subscriptions.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Chainey and carried. SCHOOLS WANTED. Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., moved: "That in consequence of the prevalence of epidemics in centres where a large number of children congregate, and the most imperative need for greater attention being paid to more healthy surroundings and cleaner school buildings, the Minister of Education be urged to make a special grant by way of increased capitation to committees of grade GA schools (401-440) and upwards to enable the appointment of permanent full-time caretakers being made." He pointed out that the remit was offered for discussion, with the idea of improving the conditions in the bigger centres, where GOO or 700 children congregate. The sums now paid to committees by way of capitation were not sufficient for thoroughly cleaning the schools each evening as they should be thoroughly cleaned, and school committees could not carry on without augmenting their funds in some other way. Mrs. Cuthbert (Pembroke) seconded the remit, which was carried. SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS. Mr. Gredig (Lepperton) moved: "That this committee, knowing the inconvenience of a congested playground, is in sympathy with other committees representing schools with inadequate playing areas, and urges that sufficient playgrounds Ue obtained- for all schools.” Mr. Mundt (Kaimiro) seconded. Mr. Trimble expressed sympathy with the remit. It appeared to him that in all schools . Insufficient ground had been taken, and bethought that even in the case of the schools being established now, it would be found in years to come that the area would prove insufficient.—Carried. LEPPERTON REMITS. A number of remits from Lepperton were dealt with as under:— "That where candidates for proficiency certificates or junior national scholarship have to travel from their own schools to an examination centre, actual travelling expenses be paid by the department.”—Curried. "That qualified dentists accompany medical officers when visiting schools, especially in the country. '—Carried. "That the staffing and grading of schools be based on the average roll number, and not on tte average attendance." —Referred to the executive.

"That all probationers should spend the first two years of their teaching career at a training college, instead of in the school as at present."—Withdrawn.

"That teachers' removal expenses bo paid by the department.”—Carried, with the amendment, "when transferred by the Education Board."

"That where owing to the smallness of the residence there is undue congestion for teachers with large families, the department be urged to supply movable rooms to ameliorate tiie conditions during the teacher’s tenure.” —Referred to the executive. "That the capitation for incidental expenses to committees be increased"—Carried. OTHER REMITS. A remit by Okato that a definite ruling be obtained as to who is responsible for payment of medical fees when a pupil meets with an accident in currying out school work, was carried. A remit from Mahoenui, "That in view o£. the hardship now imposed on many teachers of grade 2 schools, where the average attendance of 3o pupils cannot be maintained, thus entitling them to an assistant, this conference emphasises the importance of amending tho regulations in the direction of providing that a school shall be entitled to an assistant if an average attendance of 30 is maintained for tte period now mentioned," was carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers were elected as follows: —President, Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P. (re-elected) ; secretary and treasurer, W. G. Reid (re-elected) ; vice-presidents, W. Pinhey (Stratford), Jas. Garcia (New Plymouth), W. Cole (Motonui), F. J. Hodges (Inglewood), G. L. Bacon (Tahora), Rev. Castles (Eltham), Rev. W. Avery (Kaponga), T. 11. H. Sinclair (Opunake), W. K. Morris (Oakura), and Williams (Hauera) ; executive, Messrs. J. W. Downs (Bell Block), Frank Lee (Frankley Road), Rev. Marlin (Fitzroy), E. R. Bayley (Omata), and W. H. Robertshaw (Central). GENERAL. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the chairman, Mr. Sole remarking that Taranazi was fortunate in having two members of Parliament who took such a keen interest in education matters. A hearty vote of thanks was also accorded the secretary (Mr. Reid). Mr. Masters, M.P., on behalf of tte Education Board, expressed appreciation or the co-ordination that existed between, school committees and the board in furthering the work of education. Committee work was not recognised ns it should be. He had had experience of other provinces, and had no hesitation in saying that the Taranaki committee worked as well as committees anywhere in the Dominion. Mr. Masters detailed "Hie

shabby manner” in which th School Committees’ Association had been treated by the Education Committee of the House of Representatives, and he hoped that such discourtesy would not recur. During the afternoon the delegates were entertained to afternoon tea by Miss Todhenter, cookery mistress at the Technical School, and several of the pupils.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19210701.2.62

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Taranaki Daily News, 1 July 1921, Page 8

Word count
Tapeke kupu
1,217

SCHOOL COMMITTEES. Taranaki Daily News, 1 July 1921, Page 8

SCHOOL COMMITTEES. Taranaki Daily News, 1 July 1921, Page 8

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