ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1883, 25 April 1889, Page 2

ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

The annual election of School Committees took place on Tuesday evening last.

TEMUKA. A special meeting of the Temuka School Committee wa3 held on Tuesday evening, prior to the meeting of householders. Present—Messrs J. T. M. Hayhurst. (chairman), A. R. Allan, and K. F. Gray. The annual report and balance-sheet to be submitted to the meeting of householders was read and approved. The minutes of the bat ordinary meeting wer« read and confirmed, and the terminated. \ .

MEETING OF HOUSEHOLDEES.

The annual meeting of householder!" then took place, there being thirty-seven householders in attendance. MrJ. T. M. Hayhurst (chairman of the outgoing committee) presided, and briefly outlined the business of the evening. ANNfAL BEPORT. The annual report of the outgoing committee was read as fellows '— " To the householders. " Gentlemen,—Your committee have pleasure in reporting as follows : "Ist. Staff.-The Bchool staff has undergone the following changes since the last annual meeting o£ householders ; Mr P. Kalaugher has been appointed to the vacancy caused by the resignation of | Miss Bowe, and Miss Rose Goodey has ! been appointed in the place of Mr M. McLeod, who retired on Ihe expiration of his apprenticeship. Miss Ladbrooke ha» resigned her position as second mistress, and the vacancy thus caused has been filled by the appointment of Miss Phillips, who will commanca her duties at the end of the preseut month. Mr Kalaugher** resignation has been received, he having* been appointed assistant master to a school in the Wellington district, and Mr McLeod has been recommended for the position. " 2nd. Attendance.—The average attendarce during tha past year has bean; Boys, 144.6; girls, 124.3; total, 268.9. At the last examination thirteen secondary pupils were presented, as against ten ia 1887, and during the quarter ended 31st March there were thirteen pupils recsiviog secondary instruction. "3rd. Buildings.—The buildings are in fair repair. "4th. Meetings.—Twelve ordinary and , four special meetings have been held during the past year, at all of which the attendance has been good. The seven members elected to the commitlei bavs all continued in office up to the present time, with the exception of Mr Winning, who has recently left the district.

“ sth. Finances. —The committee commenced their duties with a credit balance of 15s 10d, and tbo present amouat to credit is 9s 9d. It may be mentioned that the amount received for fuel and stationery during the past year was only £l4 Us 4d, as against £l9 la 3d in the previous year, and that it is desirable that parents and guardians should be prompt in their payments towards this food. “6th. Inspector’s Export.—The inspector’s report may be considered aa extremely good, and it is pleasing to note a divided and general improvement in this r ispect, as compared with former years. r~ “7 h. Prize Fund.—At the last annual mee ng the balance to the credit of tbfc fun - ' was £lO 12a 7d. Prizes, were awarded in December costing £lO 11s 6d. The cost of these prizes was met by donations from Mr Rhodes and the Caledonian Society, and the proceeds of the concert recently held,, which, after leaving the prize fund as before, viz., £lO 12a 7d, has enabled the committee to place, the sum of £2 18s 5d to the general account. “J. T, M. Hayhubsi, “ Chairman."

The balance-sheet showed that the committee commenced the year with a credit balance of 15s MM, and ended with a credit balance of 9a 9d. The receipts were—Balance, 15s lOd; incidental grants, £43 19s 6d ; fuel and stationery fees, £l4 lis 4d ; balance of proceeds of concert, £2 183 5d ; total, £62 5s Id. The expenditure was—Janitor's , salary, £3O; Secretary, £6.5s j repairs to building, £7 2s 3d; stationery, £9 0$ Gi ; fuel, £8 12s Id ; printing and stationery, 15s 6d; total, £6l 15s 4d.. The prize fund.account commencsd with a credit balance of £lO 12s 7d, and ended with a balance of the same amount. The receipts during the year included a donation from Mr A. E. (i. Rhodes, M : H.R., of £3, one from the Temuka Caledonian ~ Society of £l, and proceeds of concert £9 9s lid. ,

The Chairman said that they had heard the report and balance-sheet, and he would be glad if some one would move their adoption, after which they could be discussed.

Mr Storey asked whether the discussion should not take place first. The Chairman replied in the and Mr Rutland then moved, and Mr S. Clinch seconded —" That, the report and balance-sheet aB read be adopted." Mr Storey said he understood from the balance-sheet that the committee bad received £tt for fuel, while they had only expended about £B. The Chairman said the committee had received from the householders on account of fuel and stationery £l4 lis 4d, and bad expended on fual £8 12s Id, and on stationery £9 Qi 6c*, or £3 more than they had received. No further discussion took place, and the report and balancs-aheet were adopted unanimously. On the motion of Mr Storey, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the retiring committee.

Mr Hayhurst briefly returned thanks. The committee bad had some uphill work in making ends meet, having received less money than their predecessors from the Board of Education, and also from the householders. They had received some pounds less than their predecessors, and yet their credit balance was only a few shillings less. He thanked them for (he vote of thanks. ELECTION or CHAIRMAN, Mr Hayhurst said that the business of the old committee was now finished, and called upon the meeting to appoint a chairman. On the motion of Mr Gray, seconded by Mr Allan, Mr Hayhurst was agiio elected to the chair, when the minutes of the lost annua! meeiing were road and confiiini"!, without discussion. ELECTION OP NEW COMMITTEE. Mr J. Brown said he did not think they could do better than re-elect the old com*

mittee. No one appeared to have any fault to find with them, ?nd, if he was in order, lie would more —"That the old committee be elected." The chairman said that could not be done; the election must proceed in the usual manner. Besides, all the members of the old committee were not present. Mr Rutland" thought the meeting ought to know whether the members of the old committee bad attended the meetings regularly. If they had not done so it would be useless to re-elect them.

Messrs J. McCasfcill and T. Buxton were appointed scrutineers, aod the election was proceeded with, the ballot as follows:

Mr Cooper retired in favor of Mr Rutland. and the chairman then declared Messrs Blytb, Storey, Allan, Gray, Hayhurst, Brown, and Rutland duly elected, A vote of thanks to the chairman terminaled the proceedings. Minim# 6? New Committee. A meeting of the newly-elected committee was then held, all the members being present. It was proposed by Mr Allan, seconded by Mr Storoy—“That Mr Hayburat take the ehair.” Mr Hayhurst thanked them for the honor they intended, but be thought the office of chairman should hot be held by the same person year after year. He hopsd they would elect someone else. Mr Brown strongly supported the motion, and Mr Hayhurst b then elected, Mr Ashwell was reappointed secretory. Mr Storey brought up the question of fuel and stationery fees, stating that he knew of some persons, well able to pay, ■who had made a boast of not paying.— After some farther discussion, during which it was suggested that in cases like those mentioned the supply of pens, pencils, etc., could be stopped, the chairman suggested that the question should be adjourned till next monthly meeting, and in the meantime members could think it over.

It was decided not to alter the night of meeting. The.mooting then terminated.

GERALDINE. The annual meeting of houaeboldeis inj the Geraldine school district took place in the schoolroom on Tuesday evening last. At the time appointed for the meeting, 7 o'clock, there were only a very few persona present, but as time wore ou one and another dropped in till there was a moderate attendance present. Mr W. S. Muslin, chairman of the school committee, was voted to the chair and read the -uinules of the Jast annual meeting, which were confirmed ; and also the report of the outgoing committee as follows :

" Gbmxibmbw, —Your Committee at toe close of their year of office have much pleasure in laying before you the principal items of interest in connection with the workinjg of the school for the past year. Strictly tweaking your committee have only held office for nine months, having bean rs-elected at the meeting of householders held in Jane last. Mr Coltman resigning at the first meeting of the new committee, Mr J. Mundell was elected in his place. There being therefore no change in the personnel of the committee elected at the first householders'meeting our report will embrace the whole year. Tour committee are pleased to report the school continues to make very satisfactory progress, both in numbers and attainments. The number of scholars on the roll at the beginning of the year was 243. The nnmbw now on the roll is 269. The highest attendance Jast year was 222 ; this year 238. The annual examination of the eohool held in December last, the report of which was published, was highly satisfactory, the percentage of failures of those presented being only eighteen. When householders remember that similar results were produoed the previous examination they will appreciate more fully the work of the teachers for the past year. At the Board's last examination for scholarships four pupils attended from this school, one of whom, Master W. (Sore, was successful in his class, taking second place, with only one mark below the highest. He is now receiving his education at the Temuka High School. Tour committee consider the time has arrived when the status of this school should be raised to that of a District High School. The' central position which it ocoupies, surrounded by smaller schools, points it out as the plaoe where' scholarshipholders in these schools shonld receive their further education. At the last examination of this school there were 13 pupils who passed the Sixth Standard. In the neighboring schools there are 17 scholars in attendance who have passed the Same standard. As the syllabus of primary schools only makes provision for teaching to the Sixth Standard, if parents desire further ednca-' tion for their children it must be sought outaide of primary schools. During the year the of Education expended about seventy ■y pounds in putting iron on the roof, painting, and renovating the school buildinge, which we hope will last without further large expenditure until the erection of the new school. The income and expenditure of yourcom- • , vmittee to the 31it December, 1888, was as follows:—lncome : Balance in bank, £3 19j Id ; net proceeds of concert, £3 2s; sale of coal dust, 8s j Board of Edueation, £36 2s 6d; special grant foi« range, £7 10s; total, £sl laVd. Expenditure': Kange and setting, £7 10s ; other expenditure, £3.4 6s 8d ; balance, £9 4s lid; total, £sl Is 7d. The account of the prize fund is as follows :—lncome : ' Balance, £1 6s 2d ; proceeds of concert, £9 15i 3d ; other income, £l6s; total, £l2 7s sd. Expenditure: For prizes, etc., £l2 Is 4d; balance, 6s Id; total, 7s sd.—The inceme since Dec. 31it to date has been £9 2s, and the expenditure £8 15s 9d, leaving a balance to credit,at the Bank of flew Zealand at date »f £9 Us 2d. In conclusion your committee record a hearty vote of thanks to the staff of the school for the efficient manner they have discharged their duties during the year. " W. 8. Maslin, " Ohairmun." Mr A. Sherratt moved, and Mr J. D. Gore seconded, the adoption of the report. Mr Sherratt at the same time asked what had been done towards raising the etatua of the Ecbool. The chairman said lhat the Kev. G. Barclay had informed the committee in office previous to the present one what steps were necessary to obtain the raising of the school, »nd the benefits k iciuuiug thereto. ■ 'Lbe KfcV. G. BirdUy, who was preaent, nuid that the committee of 1887 had made an application to the board to have the school raised to a district high school. He

asked what the correspondence on the subject had beeo. The chairman said there was no correspondence. The matter had been brought before the Board by a deputation, and the reply had been that the board were not prepared to raiss the status just then.

Mr A. Sberratt asked what were the grounds on which the suggestion to raiso thn status was made. The chairman said that at the last examination thirtesn pupils were presented in Standard VI., anc thirteen passed that Btandard. One had subsequently gained a scholarship, and was receiving his education at the Ternuka District High School. There were now eleven of these pupils at the school. Ho did not think it very desirable that children gainiog a scholarship should have to leave their homes in order to obtain the education they were entitled to bygainingsuch scholarship. * Parents would often rather have them not gain it than have them go away to, say, Timaru or Temuka. If the status of the Geraldine School were raised they would be able to stay at home. (Hear, hear,) The fitatns of the district would also bs raised. (Hear, hear.) Ther« were many other reasons which he had not time to enumerate just then. For his part, if he had a boy who gained a scholarship he would rather go to a deal of expense and keep him at home than lot him go away from home and its influences to gain his education. (Hear, hear.) The objection that the primary education would suffer was groundless, as an additional teacbor would be granted, so that the head master would have more time to devote to the whole school, and therefore even better results would probably be obtained. There were now 19 children in Standard Six, and next examination the majority of these would pnss, and then the number requiring secondary education would be considerably swelled. Their average age yas thirtaen years, so that they would be entitled to about two years more teaehipg. Mr Barclay said the subject of raising the status of the school had often been spoken of. Some eight or nine years ago the matter had been brought forward by the Geraldine School Committee, and although it had not bean pushed very vigorously it had never been dropped. It wes evidently the wish of the district that the school should be raised to the position of a district high school. Geraldine was one of the four schools first asked to be raised, and he never could understand why it had not been so raised. He had reason to think there was some mystery about it, and the application never got fuir play. He did not wish to express himself more definitely about the matter. He was strongly of the opinion that it was highly expedient that the school should be so raised. If there was any benefit in secondary edacation he did not see why it should not be brought os close to their own doors as possible, without incurring any additional expense. He failed to see j why the children after passing the Sixth j Standard should be cut off from further education or be compelled to go away. Those who had now passed the Sixth Standard could not legally claim secondary education, and might even be refused tuition. Both the board and the master could repudiate them. He supposed their paronl9 would like them to get further education. From their age they were unfit to take any employment, and some preparation should be made for their secondary education. The expense would be moderate. The fees would bo partly given to bear the expense of the concern. The prestige of the school would be raised Vfiry much. The idea that the primary edacation ef the school would be neglected was erroneous, as recent experiences bore out the fact that where secondary education was taught in a school the primary subjects were taught even more thoroughly. It would, he thought, be very foolish of the committee not to press the sobject of getting the school raised to the position of a district h'gh school. (Lou,d applause). Mr Barclay further said that at the time the committee of 1887 brought before the board the question of raising the school, the board were threatened with retrenchment, and as the* question of the new buildings seemed to go with the question of raising the status the board were not in a position to promise the new buildings, and so the whole question wasshelved. With regard to the new buildings there was now a sum of £3OO set apart for the erection of these, and the Board had also bound themselves by a resolution that any further sums coming in to the ] credit of the building fund should be added to this amount. He suggested that the committee again bring before the board the question of erecting new buildings. Now was the time to do the thing, and as there was little doubt of the Enabling Bill being passed, allowing the Board to sell the preseot site of the school, there was a good prospect of ample funds being forthcoming for the work. (Applause.) The report was then adopted unanimously. Mr A. Sherratt moved, Dr Fish seconded, and it was carried unanimously—- " That it ba an instruction from this meeting to the incoming committee not to cease to press the raising of the school to a district high school upon the Board of Education," The following resolution was also, upon the proposition of the Rev. J. Preston, carried unanimously :—"That this meeting desire to urge upon the new committee to use all the influence in their power to got the board to commence the new buildings."

A vota of thanks to the old committee was unanimously passed on the proposition of Mr Shiers. The election of a new committee was then proceeded with and resulted in the fo lowing being elected :—Messrs W. 3. Maslin, J. lliordan, W. Walton, J. W. Pye, W. Shiers, C. E. Sherratt, and H. B, Howard.

The Rsvs, G. Bsrclay and J. Preston acted as scrutineers. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting, Meeting ojf New Committee.

A meeting of the new committee was hald immediately afterwards, oil bfiing present. Mr W. S. Muslin was re-elected chairman.

Mr Barclay thought it wiib tima the committee took some Bteps to decide upon the question of a suitable site, as he wished to know what course the committee would like him to pursue with regard to the enabling bill which was about to bo brought forward. Ho would lijfj to know if thti committee desired the building lo go up on :ho_ site forueriv reserved for them. That site h;t'- ''fitm selected when Mr Baker hud been down in Qeruldino.

Mr Shi'TH n;iid the site was the only one that was considered suitable at the time, and therefore it had been chosen.

Mr Barclay said that at the time there was considerable discussion as to the moat suitable site, and he had refrained from taking any part in it whatever. Should such a discussion again arise he did not wish to take any part in it. At the same time he had heard it said outside that sumo of the individual members of the committee wanted to have the school erected on the old riverbed on the Pleasant Valley road. He wished it to bo understood distinctly that if the school was proposed to be placed on the shingle flat he would have nothing to do with the matter of obtaining a new school, but would simply remain neutral. He would not be a party to placing the school in such a position. He urged upon the committee to settle the question of site as soon as possible, in order that the Enabling Bill might be prepared for Parliament accordingly. The committee thought the question of site should be settled by a full meeting of householders, and that it was impossible to discuss it that evening. It was decided to let the matter stand over for the present, till it was seen what money was probably forthcoming from the board, co as to have something definite to place before the meeting. A letter from the Head Master, dealing with the system,of marking for prizes and other matters was allowed to stand over until next meeting. It was decided not to alter the night of meeting. Messrs Pye and Walton were appointed visitors and the meeting terminated. MILFORD. At Milford the following committee wore appointed Messrs T. White, A. Colville, sen., R. Macaulay, A. Colville, jun., Jas, Christmas, M. Mackay, and J. Macaulay. Mr Christmas was elected chairman of the new committee. WINCHESTER. The meeting at Winchester was fairly well attended. Mr A. W. Enser was voted to the chair. The outgoing committee submitted a very favorable report. They suggested, in view of the decreased amount allowed for incidentals, that parents and guardians should contribute to the fund at the rate of sixpence per child per quarter. The bUancs-sheet showed a credit of lls, but there were outstanding liabilities more than sufficient to absorb this amount. The following gentlemen were elected as lire new committee :—Messrs Deßenzy, T. Connolly, Harrisoo, Ensor, Woodley, Albert, and Bishop. At a meeting of the committee subsequently held Mr Deßenzy was re-elected chairman.

SOUTH RAMTATA. A meeting of householders was held in the schoolroom on April 23rd. Mr J. M. Naugbton, chairman of the school committee, was voted to the chair. The committee's yearly report was adopted us read. As there were only six householders present it was resolved that the chairman write to the Board of Education asking them to either call another meeting of householders or appoint commission era. The meeting then adjonrned, with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

PLEASANT VALLEY. A meeting of householders was held in the Pleasant Valley school on Tuesday evening. Mr K. JBrophy, chairman of the retiring committee, occupied the chair, and read the minutes of the last annual raaeting, which were confirmed. He then read the annual report as follows ; “Annual report of the Pleasant Valley School Committee for the year ending 23rd April, 1889. “ Gentlemen, —Since the retiring committee took office they held twelve regular and throe special meetings, and immediately after their election they applied to the board to build an addition to the school, and also to put iron on the roof, as the old shingle was lerkiog, with the result that the board granted their request as you can see by the appearance sf the school. The usual gorse cutting and grubbing was carried out during the year. The inspector examined the school last January. The percentage of passes was 47, and the percentage of failures 16. In Standards 6,5, 4, and 3 there were only 14 present; of these 2 were excepted and 13 passed. In Standards 1 and 2 there were 28 present and all of them passed, which reflects great credit on Mias Miller. School accounts : At the beginning of the past financial year there was a credit balance of £1 10s 6d. We received from the board £2lT6s 8d and for pencils sold to the children 2a 6d ; total, £23 9a BJ. The expenditure tor the year waa £2O 3a 10d, thus leaving a credit balance of £3 5s lOd at the end of the financial year. The balance at present is £5 5s lOd with the second quarter’s incidentals now due. The books and vouchers were forwarded to the board’s auditor (in December last) for examination and found correct. Treat and prize fund: There is a balance remaining from last year of £1 3s 7d, and we have received from householders and children’s collections £7 18s ; total, £9 Is 10d.—I have, etc..

"K. Brophy, "Chairman."

Affer the report was read and adopted Mr K. Bropby left the chair, and Mr J. Menzies was elected chairman of the public meeting. The following gentlemen were elected on the new committee :~Messrs Archibald Kennedy, Edward Murphy, M. Brophy, K. Brophy, W. Bennett, J. Grregao, and K. Quaid. After the usu-il vote of thanks to the chairman the Dew committee met, when Mr K. Brophy was eleoted chairman for the ensuing year.

WOODBURY. householders' meeting

The annual meeting of householders took place on Tuesday evening, (he attendance being small. On the motion of Mr Flatman Mr Dean took the chair, and read the minutes of the last annual meetings which were adopted, The chairman then read the annual report, as follows : " i'our'committeo hwe much pleasure in lading bafora jou their ropovt of the jesr'a proceedings, ending 3l;il DccsmW, 1888. T'ho committee navy hA4 nine orrhua?/ and three special mooting, with >vi average afcfcoadanoe of four members, for the year. i'iuanoe: During she yettr the committee

have received from the Board of Bduoalioa the sum of £24 Is Bd. This sum, together with Inlanoo ot £2 2« 5i from the previoui year, makes a total of £26 4» Id. Out of this sum they havo expended £22 15! 7d, leaving a balance in bank of £3 8j 6.i to be oarried forward to the year 1889. In addition to this they have reoeived fo? rent <f rooms and concerts the sum of £l2 7s 3}d. This sum has be2n expended in prizsa and school treat. Eepsirs—Various omall repair a have been effeoted during the yoar, but much romains to be done, providing the committee had funds, so that the eohool and the grounds would havo a neat and tidy appearunco. Condition of School: The year opened with 103 on the roll, and thio number was inoreaeed by 87 admisiions, mating a total of 140 who have attended during tha past twelve months. During the samo periGd thoro ware 37 withdrawal, so that the number at the close of the year was exaotly the same as at the beginning. The school was opened 431 times, and the higheisfc attendance at any one meeting was 102. Mr W. Glanville completed his apprenticeship during the yoar, and severed his connection with tha school at Christmas. The committee wioh to place on record their appreciation of his merits and his suocess as a teacher during tho period of his connection wifh the school. Tho stuff remain* the samo, with the exception of Miss Amy Fifield, who has taken tha plaoo of Mr W. Glanville, and continues to «ive Bfttnfaction the committee and parents of tho children. Tho Inopeotor's is cousidered veiy satisfactory, and beyond expectations. Under the old system the average would be about 83 per cent, of p&asos, ' The furniture of the Bchool is on the whole sound and in good order. The buildings require some repairs to roof and other small matters, and tho Board contemplate oalling tende b for these shortly—J. H. Dban, Chairman." On the motion of Mr Cooling, seconded by Mr Fiefied, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to tho retiring committee. Mr Dean, on behalf of the committee, briefly responded. The following gentlemen were then duly elected as members of tho now committee :—Messrs Dean, Mattnan. Cooling, Corraaclc, Gick, Heatley, and McKenzie. This terminated Ui9 meeting. MEETING OF NEW COMMITTEE.

The first meeting of the newlj-elected committee was then held, at which all th 9 members were present. On the motion of Mr Jb'latman, seconded by Mr Cooling, Mr Dean was re-elected chairman. Mr Dean returned thanlt3 for the honor, but said he would much rather have seen someone else on the committee, as he ; had no children attending the school.

The minutes of the previous ordinary meeting were and and confirmed. Mr Duan stated that he had interviewed Mr Greavos, and ascertained that there were no grounds for the report re overcharge for school requisites.—lt was resolved to write to Mr Greives expressing regret at the report, and the committee's deep sympathy with him.—Proposed by Mr ilatman, seconded by Mr Cooling, and carried; "That in foture any outside rumors be taken no notice of, unless the same be made in writing or by deputation." Proposed by Mr McKenzie, seconded by Mr Heatley—" That in consequence of there being only ooe tender sent, in for the supply of firewood fresh tenders be invited, the same to be sent io by the next meeting of the committee."—Carried. It was resolved that all erdinary meetings be held on the first Monday in each month, at 7.30 p.m: Messrs D9au and Gick were appointed visitors for the month. The meeting then terminated.

J. Blyth 6 9 6 2 0 0 0—50 W. Storey 2 2 2 0 0 0 5-47 A. R, Allan ... 9 4 1 X 0 0 1-31 X. F. Gray ... 5 5 3 4 0 0 0-28 E. Brown 6 2 1 2 0 0 0-21 J. T. M. Hayhurst 8 2 2 2 0 0 0-26 W. G. Rutland 6 1 0 4 0 0 1—19 J. Cooper 5 3 0 2 0 0 0-19 A. Russell 10 0 0 0 0 1 0—16