GERALDINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2011, 22 February 1890, Page 3

GERALDINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

A special meeting of this committee was held in the schoolhouse, Geraldine, on Wednesday evening last, for the purpose of taking steps to provide for the accommodation of the school children during the removal of the old, and erection of the new school. Present— Messrs W. S. Maslia (chairman), W. Shiers, W. H. Walton, J. W. Pye, H. Howard, C, E. Bherratt, and Jas. Riordan. Mr J. W. Pye having forfeited his seat ©n the committee, owing to his having been absent from three consecutive meetings without leave, steps were taken to fill the vacancy, and Mr was unanimously re-elected, TEMPOBAET AEEAKGEMEJVTS. A letter was received from Mr J‘ Aitken, the head master, re the temporary arrangements required to be made. He pointed out that if the Volunteer Hall were used it would be necessary to erect temporary partitions in order to carry on the teaching of the school, lavatories and water closets for both sexes, and also a supply of water would have to be obtained, as none of these things existed in connection with the hall. He further stated that the school furniture in use at the present school were fixtures, and before they could be used at the hall they would need to be fixed to the floor, or fitted with feet. The letter also pointed out that before the new school was ready for occupation it would be well into the winter -months, and consequently whatever building was used some appliances for heating would be absolutely necessary, as it was impossible for children to do school work in a low temperature.

In connection with tho letter the committee also remarked that no room for a playground existed at the Volunteer Hall, and it would be impossible to turn over two hundred children out on the street to play. It was unanimously resolved—lhat this committee endorses the opinions contained in Mr Aitken’s letter, and that the letter be forwarded to the Board of Education.’’ The question of temporary accommodation was discussed at considerable length. Members were decidedly of opinion that it would be a very serious thing to make a break in the children’s schooling at the commencement of the school year, as the majority o£ the children would not be able to pull up the time, and not being able to pass their standard at the end of the year would be thrown back a whole year. After discussing the matter it was proposed by Mr Shiers, seconded by Mr Walton,and carried unanimously—- “ That owing to the difficulty of obtaining suitable accommodation for the school children this committee it quests the board to make arrangements for leaving the old portion of the school building on the present site until provision is made for the children at the new school, or that the removal ot the present building be deferred during the winter months.” Proposed by Mr Sherratt, seconded by Mr Eiordan, and carried unanimously—“ That the board be asked to send out their inspector and architect to confer with this committee as to the best means of providing temporary accommodation,” I'HE NEW SCHOOL SITE.

_ Tn connection with the new school site Mr Shiers moved, Mr Sherratt seconded, and it was carried—" That the board s attention be drawn to the necessity of having the new school ground cleared from scrub, drained, levelled, and fenced, as, in its present state, it is unfit for occupation as a school site or playground. Also to the importance of obtaining a water supply before the weather breaks.” EOAED VACANCIES. The committee voted for Messrs Barker, Howell, and Smyth, the retiring members. The meeting then terminated.