ANNUAL ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1133, 31 January 1884, Page 3

ANNUAL ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

TEML'KA. Incur last issue we published the result of the election of a School Committee for the Temuka district for the current year’. We were then compelled to hold over the follow! ig table showing the number of householders who voted for 'each candidate, with the number of I’s, 2’s, 3’s, etc., obtained by each. It speaks fori *elf:

MILFORD. The annual meeting of householders for the election of a new School Committee and to receive the report and balance sheet of the outgoing Committee, took place on Monday evening. The following were elected as a Committee ;—Messrs C. Woodley, J. Woodhead, J. Brown, T. White, J. Maze, T. Parke and J. Cain. WAITOHI FLAT. The annual meeting of householders was held in the schoolroom on Monday evening, there being a good attendance. Mr J. Talbot was elected Chairman. The, follow,'ng report of the outgoing Committee was read : “ Waitohi Flat, Jan 28,1884. “Gentlemen, —Your Committee beg to submit the following report for the year ending January 28tb, 1884. The retiring Committee Messrs John Talbot, Sam. Currie, John Anderson, Michael Moore, Daniel Seaton and L. Scott. Twelve Committee meetings have been held during the year, with an average attendance of six members. “ Financial.—The Committee commenced their term of office with a credit balance of £8 9s 4d. The receipts from all sources, exclusive of the credit balance, has been £36 ss, and the expenditure £35 6s 3d, leaving a balance in band when the accounts were made up, viz., December 31, of £9 8s Id. There were, however, several accounts outstanding which has considerably reduced the balance available for handing over to the incoming Committee. “ The Teaching Staff at the commencement of the year consisted of Mr J. T. Campbell, bead teacher ; Mrs Campbell, sewing mistress; and Geo, Anderson, pupil teacher. The latter was under appointment temporarily on half pay pending his passing the requisite standard examination. He succeeded in passing subsequently, and received the full appointment. The post of sewing mistress became vacant by the death of Mrs Campbell in the month of June, and Miss Drybrugh was appointed in her stead, and has performed the duties of the position satisfactory. The existing staff are Mr J, T. C.nmpbel'. head teacher ; Miss Drybrugh, sewing mistress ; and Master Geo. Anderson, pupil teacher.

“Examinations. —Two standard examinations Lave been held during the year, one on July 4th by Mr Hammond and one on November 14th by Mr John Gurr. The latter, which is the annual standard examination, may be looked upon as the real test of the present condition of the school, and a guide whereby to gauge its progress during the year. This examination was highly satisfactory, a percentage of 78.7 of passes was gained, and the general tone of the school is reported upon most favorably, the children below the Standards giving the Inspector satisfaction as being in a good state of preparation. This is a state of affairs highly gratifying considering the hitherto invariably bad reports.

“ Irregular Attendance. Some considerable improvement in this particular baa been brought about. Monthly reports showing the attendance of each child has been submitted to the Committee, and notices under the compulsory clauses of the Act served in some of the worst cases. There is still room for further improvement, however, and the incoming Committee should bear this most important question in mind and use every endeavor to induce regular attendance. “ State of School Buildings.—The roofs of the Master’s house and the old portion of the school, which are of wooden shingles, are in a leaky state. The buildings were erected in the early part of the year 1875, and are therefore nine years old. Whether this is as long as shingles are usually expected to last or not, the fact remains to be seen that these prrticuhir ones are rotten, and must be replaced with new ones, or, what is much better, corrugated non. The Board of Education has been made aware of the existing state of things and have asked the Committee to furnish an estimate of the cost of doing the necessary work, and it may be hoped that something will shortly be done. “Supply of School Books.—These have been purchased from the Education Book Depot, and sold to the scholars at a slight advance in price, sufficient to cover the cost of handling. This arrangement is, however, rather troublesome to deal with, and moreover does not give unmixed satisfaction. The question of its discontinuance has been often discussed, but has been put off to allow the new Committee to do as may seem to them best, “Number of Pupils on the Boll.—This shows a slight falling off from the date of the last annual meeting, being at present 66 as against 72. The average attendance, ho wever, shows an improvement, standing as it does at 50 for the past quarter, as against 46 for the quarter ending December Slst, 1882.

“Childrens’ Sports. —The usual subscriptions to this object were collected and resulted in £8 12s 3d being gathered. There was a balance of £1 3s in hand from last year, ora total available of £9 15s 3d. The sports were dply held, but unfortunately a miserably wet day was experi-

enced. and was the cause of spoiling to a consideraole extent what would otherwise have been an enjoyable gathering. The expenditure, inclusive of £2 for prize books, has been £9 7s 7d, thus leaving a balance of 7s 8d in hand. ■ School Accounts. —In accordance with an arrangement of the Board of Education, the accounts have been submitted to the auditors of that body, and have been duly certified to.

After reading the report, the Chairman invited discussion on any matter connected with the school. Mr Gilmour asked on what basis the distribution of prizes bad been made. He complained that some got prizes who failed, while others who passed, did not. Mr Currie, a member of the Prize Committee, explained that three prizes were alloted to each Standard, and were awarded in accordance with the position of the children on the class lists. In one of the Standards there were but three pupils, one of whom failed to pass ; in another Standard there were four pupils, two of whom failed. In the face, however, of a resolution of the whole Committee that three prizes should be given to each class, the prize Committee did not think it advisable to withold the prizes. A good deal of discussion took place, and it was admitted by some members of the late Committee that a mistake had been made In arbitrarily fixing the number of prizes to be given in each class. Mr,Gilmour next complained of having been served with a peremptory notice to send a child to school which contained a threat of what he took to be having to go to gaol in the event of noncompliance. He thought a little more politeness might be used. The Chairman said that the Committee were not responsible for the wording of the notices in question, it being the form required by the Education Ordinance to be used in connection with the compulsory clauses. On the motion of Mr Currie the report was adopted and the meeting proceeded to nominate candidates for a new Committee, when the following were duly proposed and seconded; — Messrs J. Talbot, S. Currie, L. Scott, A. 0. Gilmour, J, Anderson, M. Moore, J, M. McClintock, D. Seaton, H. Hullen and Thos. Currie. A ballot was then taken and resulted in the election of Messrs A. 0. Gilmour, 35 votes by 10 voters ; J. Talbot, 18 votes by 11 voters ; Sam. Currie, 16 votes by 10 voters ; L. Scott, 15 votes by 9 voters ; J. Anderson, 13 votes by 7 voters ; M. Moore, 10 votes by 6 voters ; and H. Hullen, 9 votes by 5 voters. The Chairman then declared the business of the meeting terminated.

A meeting of the newly elected Committee took place after the close of the public meeting, when Mr J. Talbot was re elected Chairman. A letter from Mr M. McClintock covering estimate of cost of replacing the old shingle roofs with corrugated iron was read, and it was decided to forward it to the Board of Education. The use of the room was granted on the application of Mr Anderson for Blue Ribbon meeting at Is per meeting. It was resolved—“ That the school be closed for one month for the usual harvest holidays, from Saturday, February 19th. Mr Gilmour gave notice to move at next meeting—“ That prizes, in the event of any being awarded, be given at the next annual examination for good attendance.” It was decided to hold the meetings as usual, viz., the first Monday in each month, and the meeting terminated. WINCHESTER. The annual meeting of householders took place on Monday evening, there being a good attendance. Mr G. Taylor was voted to the chair, and called on Mr Murray to read the report of the retiring Committee. It was as follows:

“ Your retiring Committee beg to lay their annual report of their proceedings before the meeting. “ Balance sheet. The balance sheet accompanying this report, which has been duly audited by the Secretary to the Board of Education, shows a credit balance at the Bank of 4s lid, against which there are , weral outstanding accounts, amounting to £6 Bs. This debit balan'ce will require the attention of the incoming Committee, as it has been found impossible to make any saving from the annual allowance for incidentals', although this fund has been slightly raised by the Board for the present year. “Committee Meetings. Your Committee have met eight times during the past year, and the average attendance has been 89 per cent. “ Attendance at School.—The attendance has been fairly maintained during the year, except during the last quarter, when the prevalence of whooping cough had a bad effect on the general average. “ Inspector’s Report,—The Inspector’s report has not been so satisfactory this year as could have been wished, but there were many extenuating circumstances to be urged in favor of the teaching staff, as will be seen by the Chairman’s letter to the Board of Education of the 22nd of November last. It should also be noted that application was made to the Board at the request of the Head Master, to have |.he school re-examined during the current month, but owing to their arrangements with a temporary inspector, this could not be arranged. Your Committee are glad to note the despatch with which the Inspector has furnished the Committee with the annual report, it being a great improvement on former yeais.

“ Improvements.—A picket fence has been placed on the western boundary of the school ground, and the retiring Committee would suggest to those elected the necessity for looking out for an increase of playground, as the present one is quite inadequate for the school.” The report and balance sheet were adopted. The following persons were elected as a new Committee G. Taylor (43). W. Spurdon (23), W. Klee (22), E. Smith (19), P. Billitz (17), W. Carston (16), J. Northam (6) The unsuccessful candidates were : W. Bull (4), and E. Glillam (3). ]\lr G. Taylor was elected Chairman of the new Committee. QBEALDINE. On Monday evening last the annual meeting of householders in the Geraldine educational district, for the purpose of electing a school Committee for the ensuing year, was held in the schoolroom. There were about 100 persons present.

Mr Amos Sherr.At, Chairman of the retiring Committee, presided, who read the 64th Clause of the Education Act as explanatory of the purpose for which they had assembled.

Mr Cunningham was appointed Secretary for the evening. The minutes of the previous annual meeting were read and confirmed. The following report of the retiring Committee was read by the Chairman : “Your Committee at the close of heir year of office have the pleasure to lay before you the . principal items of interest in connection with the working of the school during the past year, and are glad to report that the school has made very fair progress considering the lime lost by a great number of children suffering from scarlatina and whooping cough. The numbers of scholars on the roll book at the present time is 226, and the average attendance this year has been considerably higher than last year. As you are aware, the school has been lately examined by the Board’s Inspector, the report of which you will have read in the Geraldine Guardian, and a copy is now lying on the table for inspection by the householders present. The school has been regularly visited by members of the Ccmmittee during the year, who have had no cause to report any breach of discipline or misbehaviour, but all has been working harmoniously and satisfactorily. During the year your Committee have applied for and , obtained a grant for repairs to the school buildings and fences, which has been expended on the most urgent repairs required to be done. The Board of Education informed your Committee a short time ago that the school buildings were not insured against loss or damage by fire by this Board. Your Committee deemed it advisable to insure the school buildings at once for £4OO in two insurance companies. You will also agree with us that the teachers deserve great praise for the time and trouble they have given in training the children to sing so efficiently (especially the little ones in their action songs,) as to give three public concerts during the year which have proved a great financial success, and about £25 worth of books and other useful articles have been presented to the children as prizes for their good conduct and the progress they have made. You will also remember that at the last scholarship examination two of the senior boys, Masters McKenzie and Kalaugher, won very valuable scholarship prizes, amounting to £ll4. Your Committee also desire to inform you that they have applied to the Minister of Crown Lands, through the Commissioner of Waste Lands in Christchurch, for a small block of land of about four acres fronting on the Cemetery Road, on which to erect neAV school buildings as soon as funds are obtainable for the purpose, but as yet they have received no answer. They would suggest to the incoming Committee not to lose sight of this. Before closing this report your Committee desire to record a hearty vote of thanks to the teaching staff for the very efficient manner in which they have discharged their duties in connection with the school throughout the year. “ (Signed) Amos Sherratt. “Chairman District School Committee.” The balance sheet showed the total receipts for the,year as £lO6 2s 9d, and the expenditure £BO 18s sd, leaving a cash balance of £25 4s 4d in hand. The Chairman then staled he had received a reply from the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, in regard to an application from the re tiring Committee tor a grant of four acres fronting on the cemetery road as a site for the new school. The reply was to the effect that he had recommended the site to the Minister of Lands, but that it had not as yet been gazetted. The Chairman also stated that the books of the retiring Committee had been sent to Timaru for the purpose of being audited. They had been duly signed by one of the auditors as correct. The sum of £25 4s 4d was in the hands of the Committee as incidental fund, which would be a good start for the incoming Committee. He begged to move—' That the report of the Committee be received.’

The motion was seconded by Mr Pearpoint. The Chairman then requested any householder who might have any questions to ask, to do so, Mr Pearpoint asked on what grounds the Board of Education directed the Committee to insure the school buildings. The Chairman replied that the Board had put forth no grounds for their request, only as the rooms were at limes being let for other than scholastic,, political or religious purposes, they considered it best to have the premises insured. Mr Pearpoint remarked that the Committee were not liable, and the Board should find the rnoney*for the purpose. The Chairman said that the matter had been thoroughly discussed by the Committee. If they were not liable, they thought it best to insure the buildings rather than run any risk. If the school were unfortunately burnt down and they, had to depend on getting the money for its rebuilding from Government, he imagined they would have to wait for a very long time, and then they might have to pay half the money. There being no further questions asked the report was adopted unanimously.

The nomination of candidates to serve on the Committee foi the ensuing year was then proceeded with, resulting in Messrs ft. H. Pearpoint, R. Taylor, C. Sherratt, R; S. Cook, J. Cunningham, G. Ward, A. Sherratt, W. H. Lodge, L. Fauvell and G. Bannister being nominated. Each householder present was then handed seven slips of paper for the purpose of inserting thereon the name of each candidate he chose to vote for. The Rev. J. Preston and Dr Fish were appointed scrutineers. After a short while, when all had voted, the Chairman announced the following result A. 'Sherratt, 58 ;R. H, Pearpoint, 55; T. Farrell, 55 ; J. Cunningham, 46 , C. E. Sherratt, 44; N. Dunlop, 44 ; G. Ward, 29. Votes of thanks having been passed to the retiring Committee, the Chairman and Secretary of the evening, and the scrutineers, the meeting terminated. Committee Meeting. A meeting of the newly-appointed Committee was afterwards held in the schoolroom, all the members being present. Proposed by Mr T. Farrell, seconded by Mr G. Ward, and carried—‘That Mr Pearpoint bo appointed Chairman for the ensuing year. 1

Mr Pearpoint briefly retui ued thanks for the honor conferred upon him. A letter was read from the District Land Office, Christchurch, stating that on the 29th ult. It had been recommended to the Minister of Lands to grant four acres of land for che Geraldine school, but it had not asjyet been'gazetted, A memo, was read from the Board of Education, asking the Committee to nominate a candidate for same. Whoever was elected would cease to hold office on 31st March, unless re-elected. It was decided to take no action in the matter. The following appointments were made : —The Chairman and any member of Committee to sign cheques ; Messrs C. E. Sherratt and T. Farrell as Visitors for the month. Mr Hughes, the Head Master, bad an interview with the Committee respecting certain urgent repairs that required doing to the roof of the hchool. It was decided that the Visiting Committee and the Chairman see to the necessary work being performed. Resolved— ‘ That the monthly meetings of the Committee be held on the last Wednesday in each month.’ The meeting then terminated. PLEASANT VALLEY. A meeting of householders in the Pleasant Valley school district was held on Monday evening last in the schoolroom. Mr W. Guildford was voted to the chair who read the following report of the retiring Committee ; ‘The retiring School Committee, in submitting to the householders of the Pleasant Valley school district their annual report have not any matters of great importance to refer to. During the year the gorse hedges have been trimmed and gorse and broom plants stubbed out in the plantation, and at the present time sundry improvements and repairs are being effected in the school grounds. A great many repairs to the schoolroom and dwelling house are much needed and the retiring Committee urge upon their successors the desirability of applying to the Board of Education for a special grant of fvmds to effect them. In accordance with the terms of a circular received from the Secretary to the Education Board, the Committee’s cash book, bank pass book, vouchers, etc., were forwarded to the Education office to be audited. They have been returned duly certified as correct by the Official Auditor. The cash statement shows a small balance to the credit of the Committee at the Bank of New Zealand, Geraldine. In June last the pupil teacher presented herself for her examination and passed. The number of scholars at present on the roll is about tht same as at the corresponding period of last year, as shown as follows :In January 1883 Number on roll, boys, 87 ; girls, 38 ; total 75. Average attendance, boys 30; girls, 30 ; total 60. Ist January, 1884—Number on roll, boys, 35 ; girls, 37 ; total, 72. Average attendance, boys, 27 ; girls, 28 ; total, 55. The annual standard examination of the scholars was held on 13th December last and the Ccmmittee desire to express their satisfaction that the number of passes then gained was 25 pei cent, more than was obtained at the previous examination in 1882, and that the school was generally well reported upon by the acting inspector. ' ' 1 *•' ViiiiAM Guildford, [“ Chairman.”] The report and balance sheet were unanimously adopted. The meeting then preceded to elect a new Committee. Thirteen nominations were made, and the election resulted in Messrs J. Mulvahill, J. Gregan, A. Best,. A. Lysaght, W. Guildford, D. Gregan and G. Gale being returned. The meeting then terminated with the usual votes of thanks. Meeting of Committee.

The newly elected Committee held their first meeting immediately after the close of the public meeting, when Mr W. Guildford was chosen Chairman. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education ; (1) notifying the resignation of Mr Walcot as member of the Board and requesting the Committee to nominate a person to fill the vacancy ; (2) requesting the Committee to transmit the names of two persons qualified to be members of the Board to fill prospective vacancies caused;by the retirement of two members. [i was decided to await circulars from gentlemen soliciting the Committee’s support before taking any action in these matters. The question of closing the school for the harvest holidays was next discussed, but in view of the unsettled state of the weather no decision was arrived at. The Secretary stated he had paid several accounts in connection with the recent school treat, but the money collected was found insufficient to meet all expenses.

It was decided to hold a dance after harvest to supplement the treat and prize fund. The meeting then terminated. GERALDINE FLAT. The annual meeting of householders in the above district was held in the schoolroom on Monday, 28th inst., Mr D. Shaw being elected Chairman, The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman then called on the retiring Committee for their report, when the following was read and adopted “Annual report of the Geraldine Flat School Committee to' the parents, guardians and householders of the Geraldine Flat School District.

“ Your Committee have much {pleasure in submitting the following report and balance sheet for the year ending 1883. Your Committee had nine ordinary and and three special meetings, the attendance at which was as follows :—Messrs Kelman, Shaw, McQuillan and South eight each, and Messrs Rose, Bell, and McShane, seven each, ‘ ‘The a ttendance of the scholars has been very good. The school has passed a very satisfactory examination, having secured a percentage of 93.75. The number of children on the books at the commencement of the year 1883 was—Boys, 28 ; and girls, 19 ; Total 47. Of these six boys and four girls have left, while eight boys and eight girls have been admitted, making the number now on the rollBoys, 30 ; girls, 18 ; total 48. Owing to the number of classes it was found impossible for the master to overtake the work of the school, and the Board was I written to with the result that a pupil

teacher has been granted, and Master William Lewis chosen to fill that post subject to the Board’s confirming his appointment. Mrs Cooke commenced her duties as Sewing Mistress at_ the beginning of this year. The school is in a most satisfactory condition, and the thanks of this Comraitteo are due both to the teachers and scholars for the excellent work done during the past twelve months. “lie School Improvements.—Your Committee were also successful in inducing the Education Board to erect a verandah, lavatory, and a lobby to the school. A new floor has also been put in the schoolroom, and a stove substituted for the open fireplace. The ground in front of the school has been shingled. The east end]of the school ground has been planted 'with trees and fresh ones substituted for those which had not taken root, and the whole plantation fenced, while other minor additions and improvements have added much to the comfort and convenience of both teachers and chldren.

“ From the balance sheet it will be seen that in spite of the large outlay incurred for fencing, tree planting, etc., the funds of the Committee are in a healthy state. Your Committee started the year with a credit balance of £6 15s 30, and at the close have on hand the sum of £5 4s 2d. In resigning office, your Committee congratulate the parents of the district on the success attending their efforts, and trust the present year may be equally successful from an educational point of view with the past. Your Committee will be glad to answer any questions, or to explain any matter that may have been omitted in their report.” The Chairman then read the portion of the Act bearing on the election of School Committees. A ballot was then taken, which resulted in the election of Messrs Shaw, Kelman, Rose, Wilkinson, McShane, McQuillan and South. Votes of thanks to the retiring Committee were carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned. Meeting o? Committee. A meeting of the new Committee was then held, the members present being Messrs Shaw, Rose, Wilkinson, McQuillan and South. Mr David Shaw was elected Chairman for the ensuing year. Communications were read from the Board of Education asking the Committee to nominate a person to act on the Board in place of Mr Walcot, resigned, and also to nominate three persons to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of Messrs Steward, Barker, and Walcot.

It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Chairman and two members of the Committee. The Chairman and Mr Kelman were appointed to sign cheques. It was resolved to again petition the Board to erect a house for the teacher. The meeting then adjourned to the last Thursday in March.

Name. Ones. Twos. | Threes, 1 Fours. Fives. 1 Sixes. fl > o zn JNo. Voting. J. Blyth K. F. Gray ... 16 6 2 2 1 0 0 27 13 5 3 0 0 1 0 22 A. R. Kirk 14 i) 1 1 0 0 2 21 G. Bolton 9 3 3 1 1 0 3 18 J, Brown 7 2 5 1 0 0 1 16 Rev. D, Gordon.. 5 I 1 3 3 0 2 15 J. W. Miles 6 1 0 2 0 0 4 13 B. D. O’Halloran 10 2 0 1 0 0 0 13 J.T.M. Hay hurst 1 3 n 4 1 0 0 5 12 Rev, T. Hamilton 6 1 2 0 0 1 0 10 W. Storey 3 2 1 1 0 0 3 10 H. T. Clinch ... 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 8 G. Edgier 0 0 2 0 0 1 5 8 J. Davis 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 6 W. Wills 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 W. G. Aspinall... 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 E. Pilbrow 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1