OHINEMURI.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3104, 29 January 1879, Page 2

OHINEMURI.

(fbose ottb own cohbebpondent). Paeboa, January 27. The annual meeting of householders for the election of a School Committee for the Obinemuri District was held in the Paeroa School-house to-day, MrC.F. Mitchell in the chair. There was a very good attendance. The Hon. Secretary, Mr H. D. Johnson, read the annual report and balancesheet. The following is a copy of the report:— i Ladies and Gentlemen,—The committee in presenting the usual annual report, hare much pleasure in congratulating the parents and guardians of children upon the fact of the school accommodation in this district having been materially increased. During the past year a school was opened at Puriri, under the superintendence of Mr 0. 3L Cornforth. The number of children on. th« roll was 24, with an average attendance of 22. The progress made has been very satisfactory, and the Committee take this opportunity of thanking Mr Cornforth for the zeal he has displayed during the past twelve month. They hope that an increased population will cause a larger attendance of scholars, so that hi« service! may receive a more adequate remuneration. At the Paeroa School the number on the roll has averaged 45, with m average attendance of slightly over 26. Owing to the irregular attendance of the children, the school is not in such a satisfactory condition as it ought to be. The Committee trust that, during the ensuing year, the parents will enforce a more regular attendance, as otherwise, the school duties cannot be carried on in a profitable manner, either ! for the children or the teachers. They would alao wish to draw the parents' attention to.the fact that the teachers'' salaries depend solely on the average attendance of the scholars. It has been considered advisable to bring into force the Compulsory clauses of the Education Act. Mrs Ritchie has been appointed as sewing mistress, and has entered upon her duties.

At the Waitekauri School the number of children on the roll was 20, with an average attendance of 16. During the past year a change has been made which has resulted beneficially to the scholars, Captain Murphy having been appointed as teacher. He entered upon his duties last June, and has, up to the present time, given great satisfaction. In this case, also, the Committee hope that an improvement in mining operations will result in an increase of population, and consequent increased attendance of children.

Arrangements have been made for openinf new schools at Hikutaia and Mackaytown. It is to be hoped that the attendance of children will show that the residents in those districts appreciate the efforts made by the Committee to supply their much-felt wants. The balaDce sheet shows that the amount received as capitation fees to the end of September has been £52 ss, and the expenditure to date has been £38 13s Bd, leaving balance in hand £13 6s 9d, besides the last quarter's capitation money still due.

In conclusion, the Committee beg to tender their best thanks to the members and officers of the Board of Education in Auckland for their courtesy and attention in all matters affecting the educational welfare of this district, and trust that

their successors may continue to work in harmony with them. For the Committee, Adam Poeteb, Chairman. H. D. Johnson, Hon. Sec. Paeroa, 27th January, 1879. On the motion of Mr J. H. Mahoney, seconded by Mr T. Jackson, the thanks of the meeting were tendered to the outgoing Committee for their services during the past year. The Chairman then read the regulations laid down for the conduct of the election. Ten persons having been nominated, a ballot was taken, which resulted as follows Porter, 67; E. M. Corbett, 66; F. Lipsey, 61; T. Shaw, 57 ;J. W. E. Guilding, 57; A. McCloughrey, 44; J. Morrison, 27; J. Phillips, iun., 25; J. M. Bobson, 22; H. Alley, 12. The first seven were declared duly elected. Messrs F. Cock and J. Corbett acted as scrutiners. Votes of thanks to the Chairmfl§>«nd scrutiners brought the proceedings to a close. The Eev. W. E. Mulgan, of Katikati, will hold Divine service here on Sunday evening, the 9th proximo—morning service at Waitekauri.