DISTRICT SCHOOLS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 May 1938, Page 7

DISTRICT SCHOOLS

ELECTIONS OF COMMITTEES LAST NIGHT

Splendid Progress Reported at Meetings.

MASTERTON CENTRAL HEADMASTER’S WORK PRAISED INTEREST OF PARENTS’ ASOCIATION The chairman, Mr J. E. MeV. Caldwell, presided over a large attendance at the biennial meeting of householders of the Masterton Central School, held last night. In speaking to the report, previously published, Mr Caldwell paid a tribute to the work of the Headmaster, Mr E. G. Coddington, and members of the staff. The school had made wonderful progress during the past two years, while the Parents’ Association had done splendid work and had raised £l6O to £l7O for the benefit of the school. Mr W. R. Nicol said the school had made more progress in the last two years than at any other time in its history. The results achieved had been due to the work and influence of Mr Coddington. The work and interest of .the Parents’ Association had been wonderful, and it was one of the finest movements ever started in connection with the school. Eleven nominations were 'received for nine vacancies on the school committee, and a ballot held resulted in the following being elected: Messrs J. E. MeV. Calwell, W. R. Nicol, A. V. Dixon, G. R. Beecroft, C. J. Braggins, A. Newman, F. A. Wesney, A. I. Gibbs, J. H. Cole. Messrs Gibbs and Cole are the new members. Votes of thanks were passed to the headmaster and staff, the Trust Lands Trust, the Parents’ Association, the East School, Home and School Association and the chairman. The statutory meeting of the new committee was held after the annual meeting, all members being present except Messrs Dixon' and Wesney. Mr J. E. MeV. Calwell was unanimously ' re-elected chairman, and Mr W. R. Nicol vice-chairman. Mr A. W. G. Hollings was reappointed secretary and sub-committees were appointed for Works, Finance and Visiting. Various requirements by the headmaster were dealt with, and other routine business .transacted. LANSDOWNE PROPOSED NEW BUILDING EARLY COMPLETION EXPECTED The following committee was elected unopposed at the biennial meeting of householders at the Lansdowne School last night:—Chairman, Mr H. E. Pither; secretary, Mr J. G. McFarlane, treasurer, Mr J. MacGregor; committee, Messrs A. V. Faulknor, J. Logan, J. R. Donovan, J. G. Dagg, M. Fly, Geo Ross. The biennial report, which was presented at the meeting, reviewed the activities of the school during the past two years. It stated that the present roll number was 225, and the opinion was expressed “that when the new school is ready for occupation, many new pupils, will be attracted to the district.” Dealing with the dental clinic service the report continued: —“The children still continue “to receive excellent service and the committee wishes to express its thanks to the nurses for their kindly treatment.” It was pointed out at the meeting that the parents of Lansdowne School, with approximately 100 patients, subscribed last year, £5 12s 6d towards the funds of the clinic, an average of Is Ijd per patient, while the money owing to the clinic amounted to 9s 10 J d per patient. With reference to the proposed new school, the report stated: —“Owing to earthquake damage, both school buildings have been condemned. Consequently, classes are being accommodated in temporary quarters. Although this entails a great deal of inconvenience to both pupils and teachers, the committee feels that the present drawbacks will soon be forgotten when the new building is ready for occupation. An assurance that the work of demol- ■ ishing the old brick building within the next few weeks has been given. It is expected that the new building will be ready for occupation about the middle of the third term of the present school year. The report concluded by expressing thanks to the staff, the Trust Lahds Trust, the Press, and all others who had helped to promote the welfare of the 'school. MASTERTON WEST ACTIVITIES OF PAST YEAR ELECTION OF COMMITTEE There was an attendance of sixteen householders at the annual meeting held in the West School last night. The secretary, Mr W. V. Madden, in readiness for a big gathering of parents had prepared a hundred voting papers. Mr F. Shearer, who presided, expressed his disappointment at the small attendance, though, he observed, it could not be taken as an indication that householders were satisfied with the control of the school during the past two years. The annual report, which was adopted stated: —“The school roll number is

at present 247 at the main school and 97 at the side school, making a total of 344. The roll number as reported to the last meeting of householders was 345, so that numbers have remained practically stationary during the period. When the regrading of the school was dealt with towards the end of last year, we failed to reach our objective of a Grade 6a school by the small margin of 1.5 only. Had a Grade 6a been maintained it would have obtained for the school the services of a headmaster free from teaching duties, and one able to give practically all hisfotime to the organisation of the school. Your committee feels that it should be the aim of all parents resident in the school district to see that every available child should be enrolled as it is only the attainment of this grade that will overcome the much too frequent changes among the permanent staff of our school, a state which your committee has tried to rectify, so far without result.

“With regard to the general work of the school your committee has been able to make arrangements for the addition of heating space to the school heating plant, and much of the trouble referred to at the last meeting o' householders has been rectified,” the reports continues. “Your committee has also been able to find its quota towards the electric lighting of the school buildings in Cole Street, this resulting in great improvement. Provision has also been made for the installation of a wireless set when funds become available. New bicycle sheds also have been erected and concrete paths laid down. Your committee is indeed grateful to the headmaster, Mr W. T. Armstrong and his first assistant, Mr V. Welch, for the manner in which the school grounds have been kept in order, and our thanks are also due to the caretaker, Mr E. Leete for his work in keeping the school, clean. “It is a matter for gratification that all branches of sport have received attention during the period. The staff of the school has entered wholeheartedly into this portion of their activities. During the hot, weather experienced during the summer months, daily lessons were given in swimming, and it is pleasing to note that 95' per cent of the pupils attending our schools are able to swim. Your committee is indeed grateful to those members of the Masterton Swimming Club who made their services available to the children. The Nelson system of religious training has again been carried out during the term, and your committee is grateful to those who have so generously and ably assisted in this work. Congratulations are also extended to the headmaster and his staff upon the report received from the Chief Inspector regarding the work of the school. The report reflects great credit in that the examinations proved that the children had received very careful instruction in their various classes. “The finances of the school are in quite a good position. Your outgoing committee has a balance of £36 4s 4d to hand to the incoming committee. Care has been exercised in the disbursements of the funds available, and your committee has at all times kept its expenditure within the bounds of income. Our thanks are due to the Trust Lands Trust for the manner in which they have provided funds for special purposes. “The following changes have taken place in the permanent staff of the school:—Mr V. Welch replaced, Mr N. Hayes; Miss Martin replaced Miss Taylor; Mrs Henderson replaced Miss McGrath. “Our thanks are due to the headmaster, Mr W. T. Armstrong and his staff for the manner in which they have organised the work of the school, and for the very friendly spirit in evidence between the staff and the committee.” Ten nominations were received for nine vacancies on the committee and the following were elected:—Messrs W. C. Batty, W. A. Clarke, R. G. Gilbert, R. S. Graham, F. Grigg, E. R. Rogers, F Shearer, E. W. Tooby and C. W. Walker. The headmaster, Mr W. T. Armstrong, expressed thanks for the great assistance given by the committee. Mr Shearer thanked the returning committeemen for their services during the past two years. Mr Madden expressed his thanks to Mi- Shearer and to the outgoing committee for their help. WHATMAN Major F. Ericson (chairman), Messrs G. Wagg (treasurer), S. Allen, S. Munn, C. Dickason. A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs Summers and V. E. Burridge for their services on the committee. SOLWAY Messrs C. C. McLauchlan (chairman), C. F. Price (secretary-treasurer), D. McGovern, T. Simpson, F. E. Demalmance. There were 15 householders present. OPAKI Messrs J. G. Wingate (chairman) V. Buick, N. Wyeth, T. Wyeth and R. Weston.

CARTERTON Considerable interest was taken in the Carterton school committee election held last evening, there being an attendance of 55 householders. Mr H. J. McKenzie, chairman of the retiring committee, occupied the chair. The following committee was elected: — Messrs P. L. Beere, B. E. Clarke, J. Finn, C. K. Goodin, W. S. King, W. E. Knowles, H. J. McKenzie, A. G. Rabbits, J. A. T. Stevens. Messrs Stevens and Nicholls tied and Mr Nichols retired in favour of Mr Stevens. Messrs Clarke, C. K. Goodin and W. E. Knowles are new committeemen. At a meeting of the new committee held later Mr H. J. McKenzie' was reelected chairman, and Mr Finn honorary treasurer. Mr W. E. Knowles was elected honorary secretary. RANGITUMAU Messrs L. R. Wilton (chairman), D. Stuart (secretary), A. Chorley, F. G. Wrigley, W. J. Tilyard. MAURICEVILLE The biennial meeting of householders was held in the school last evening, Mr Jas. McGovern being elected to preside over a moderate attendance. It was decided that a strong protest be lodged against the delay in rebuilding the school, the grant for’ which has been passed, and that a deputation present the matter to the Minister and the board. The matter of Bible reading in the school was left to the incoming committee to place before the parents to decide by vote. The following committee was elected: Chairman, Mr Jas. McGovern (reelected), Messrs J. Milner, J. A. Baine, A. Wilkin and K. T. Leys. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr McGovern for presiding. The head teacher’s report for 19361938 stated inter alia: The roll number during this period has fluctuated considerably, from the peak roll of 53 to> 30 at the present time. The loss of 10 Standard VI. pupils last year meant a serious drop in the roll number. Miss Goddard resigned from her position as infant mistress on December 31, 1937, and the position has since been filled by Miss Burton, relieving teacher. Pupils’ interest in the various agricultural competitions has been as well maintained as in former years, the Education Board in a circular commenting upon the excellence of the work from this school. In this connection I should like to thank Mr McGovern for the interest he has taken, and the assistance he has been to the pupils. The school has also held its own in sport, winning the District Sports Cup in 1936, 1937 and 1938. In swimming five pupils were awarded the elementary life-saving certificate and six pupils received their learners certificates. TE ORE ORE Messrs J. McDonald (chairman), A. Chamberlain (secretary), H. S. Duncan, J. McLachlan, T. Paraone. POROPORO Messrs O. L. Sykes (chairman), W. M. Bannister, W. E. Kjestrup, D. E. Williams, G. Thomson. MATAHIWI Messrs E. J. Wilson (chairman and secretary), J. Maxwell, F. J. Clarke. H. Amundsen, O. Charteris. There was an attendance of nine householders. FERNRIDGE Messrs W. James (chairman), P. R. Welch, J. C. Broad, W. G. Laing, H. W. Dagg and W. J. Taplin. There was a good attendance of householders. The financial position was reported to be most satisfactory. TE WHITI Messrs W. Ireland (chairman), W. Patrick, W. F. Rogers, C. Jones and W. H. Bradley (secretary). There was an attendance of eight. WANGAEHU Messrs J. G. Mac Kay (chairman), R. Buchanan, R. Graham, H. B. Ward, J. Mac Kay (treasurer). There was an attendance of fourteen. PONATAHI Messrs W. M. Jury (chairman), H. L. Herrick, W. King, C. Knowles, C. Paton.

FEATHERSTON (“Times-Age” Special.) The biennial meeting of householders met in the School Room last night when there was a small attendance, the Mayor, Mr J. W. Card, presiding. In a short address Mr Card referred to the excellent work done by the committee, which, as in past years, devoted a good deal of its time in the interests of the children and the school generally. Reference was also made to the teaching staff. As a result of its work the standard of efficiency was very high in the school. As the list of the nominations for the committee did not exceed the required number, no election was necessary, those elected being: Messrs E. B. Baker, J. H. Higginson, W. E. Jeffrey, S. Murphy, J. W. Holland, J. W. Henderson, F. E. A. Dohnt, F. O’Neale, C. C. Kenward. Mr Dohnt was reelected chairman. Reference was made to the good work of the home and school association. The Dental Clinic report was most satisfactory. EKETAHUNA Messrs H. E. Greathead (chairman), S. E. C. Daniel (secretary), R. Payne, R. Fox, R. B. MacLennan, H. E. Rogers, and R. Gallagher. TE WHARAU > Messrs R. M. Bannister (chairman), A. Chapman, G. Laing, F. 'Cotter and Mrs Winter. NGAHAPE Messrs H. H. Summers (chairman),T. L. Summers, G. T. Elliott, J. Paku R. Elliott and W. H. Gordon. There was an attendance of fifteen. IHURAUA Messrs C. R. Judd, J. Koce, A. A. MacDonald, A. Crawford (secretary), R. C. F. Dagg (chairman). Seven householders attended. PIRINOA Messrs S. Mclntosh (chairman), S. Sutton (secretary). J. H. Duggan, J. Riwai, J. Carter. Messrs J. H. Atkinson and C. Wellington did not seek reelection. KOPUARANGA Mrs R. Miller (chairman), G. L. Donald (secretary), R. Cottle, Mrs Jarrett, and one other to be elected. TINUI Messrs R. W. Perry (chairman), N. K. Ritchie (secretary and treasurer), Mrs Thorby, Messrs R. Speedy and L. W. Beer. GREYTOWN Mrs T. Knell, Messrs J. D.' Morison, H. C. Trotnian, J. W. Herod, F. Dennes, H. J. Bassett, W. G. K. Wiggins. ,E. Graham, H. G. Carter. Elected unopposed. MARTINBOROUGH Mr W. B. Martin presided over- a fair attendance of householders at Martinborough last night. The retiring chairman, Mr B. G. Wallis presented his report. Tribute was paid to Mr Wallis’s good work for the school. The following committee was elected unopposed. Messrs A. Bramble (chairman), 11. L. Griffiths, D. R. Matheson, K. Arthur, G. Cotter, R. P. George. W. McNally, R. Lawrence, R. Burch.