TEMUKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1661, 17 November 1887, Page 2

TEMUKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

; The monthly meeting of the Temuka School Committee took place on Tuesday evening. Present— Messrs H. M. Miles (Chairman), W. GK Rutland, GK . Lynch, A. Russell, J. Davis, and A. W. Surridge. The Chairman apologised for the absence of Mr Brown, who was unavoidably absent, MINUTES. The minutes of the last ordinary meeting and of a special meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read as follows : From the Board of Education, dated Oct. 28th, stating that the sum of £l6 13s had been placed to the credit of the Committee as incidentals for the present quarter. Prom the same, dated Nov. 7th, stating that the Inspector would visit the school on the 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th November for the purpose of holding an examination. master's report. The Head Master, Mr W. Bryars, reported:— “ I have the honor to submit the following report for the month of October; Average weekly roll: Boys, 199 ; girls, 180.5; total 379.5. Strict average attendance: Boys, 129.6; girls, 113.5; total, 243.1. Working average attendance: Boys, 137.2; girls, 124.7; total, 262. Highest attendance: Boys, 156; girls, 135 ; total, 291. It will be observed that in the attendance there has been a serious falling off. No less than six times did the attendance fall as low as half, and as often has it been just over the half. The pupils have been kept at home very frequently on account of the exceptionally severe weather. Since the Ist November the attendance has been below half no less than four times, once being only one-sixth of the roll number, and yesterday (Monday) it was almost as low as one-thirtieth, i.e., 13. This in the face of the examioation is nothing short of deplorable, and particularly so inasmuch as our promotions were made very late last year. In order that we may have the Inspector’s schedules this year before the school breaks up for the holidays, I would respectfully suggest to have the holidays as la e as possible, say Eriday, 23rd December. For the purpose of the examination we shall require half a ream of fo Iscap. I enclose cheque for £4 16a 9d, being amount of stationery fees received for current quarter.” On the motion of Mr Rutland, seconded by Mr Lynch, it was decided to procure the foolscap required. Members expressed their gratification at the amount of the enclosed 1 ch> que for stationery fees. v.srroiis. i Mr Lynch, visitor appointed 1 last month, explained that he had i been unable to visit the school. 1

On the motion of Mr Surridge, seconded by Mr Russell, Mr Rutland was appointed visitor for the ensuing month* HOLIDAYS. The Christmas holidays were then considered. The Chairman said last year the result of the examination was not known until after the school had reopened at the conclusion of the holidays, and the school had suffered considerably thereby, as the classes could not be reorganised until then. After some discussion Mr Lynch proposed, Mr Russell seconded, and it was carried—“ That the school break upfor the holidays on Friday, the 23rd December, and reopen on Tuesday, January 31st.” REPAIRS. It was decided that Mr Surridge should replace the panes of glass broken in the lavatory. As it was noticed that some of the plaster on the ceilings and walls was damp, Mr Lynch suggested that the caretaker should he instructed to look at the gutters and spouting, say, once a week. He did not think that would be too often now that the birds were building their nests. Members generally concurred with the suggestion. —The Chairman and Mr Rutland promised to make an examination of the roof. THE PRIZES. Mr Lynch proposed, Mr Surridge seconded, and it was carried —“ That no prizes for sewing be given for work done out of the school.” Mr Davis proposed, Mr Surridge seconded, and it was resolved —“That Mesdames T. A. Hamilton, G. Mason, J. Blyth, and W. G. Rutland be ini' vited to judge the sewing.” Mr Rutland expressed the opinion 1 that prizes should be awarded for plain sewing, not fancy work. The Secretary said he had seen Mr Rolleston in reference to the prizes he had promised last year. Mr Rolleston 1 said he intended to give two prizes, one for plain sewing and one for darning. The Chairman reported for the Committee appointed at last meeting to procure prizes, that they had visited the Bible and Book Society’s , depot in Temuka, and purchased 36 | books and a number of cards. The ; prizes for the sth, 6th, and 7th . Standards were not purchased, as it ' was thought better to wait until after the examination, which would be a guide as to the most suitable prizes to procure. These prizes it was proposed to get in Timaru. Mr Haggett, the representative of the Bible and Book Society, had kindly presented a prize L for the most proficient pupil in mental j arithmetic. After some discussion as to how Mr Haggett’s _ prize should be awarded, , it was decided, on the motion of Mr i Rutland, seconded by Mr Russell, to limit the competition to the sth Standard. Proposed by Mr Russell, seconded ■by Mr Rutland, and carried—“ That i the Hon. W. Rolleston be asked to present the prizes in the school on Friday, 23rd December, at 2 o’clock ! P-m., and that the Head Master be asked to arrange for some singing and recitations by the scholars.” It was decided to invite the parents , and friends of the children to be present, and the Chairman was authorised to advertise the same. ADJOURNMENT. One or two other matters were discussed, and the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.