CENTRAL SCHOOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 April 1939, Page 7

CENTRAL SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. ' REQUEST FOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS. , The monthly meeting of the Masterton Central school committee was held last night, Mr J. E. MeV. Calwell. chairman, presiding. Also present were Messrs C. J. Braggins, W. R. Nicol, A. V. Dixon, G. R. Beecroft, A. Newman and A. J. Gibbs. The finance report was submitted and received. The Wellington School Committees’ Federation requested the committee to affiliate again this year.i.and it was decided to do so. The secretary was directed to write to the Education Board pointing out that the boarded fence between the East School boundary and the next door neighbour required attention; and also that a new grate was required in the old district High School as soon as possible in view of the approach of cold weather. Requisite repairs to the motor mower were left in the hands of Mr Beecroft. The secretary was directed to write to the Riverside Golf Club in regard to arranging for the club to be allowed to use the school grounds for golf if they will mow the grdund, the committee erecting a gate so that the mower can pass through. The secretary was directed to write to the Edupation Board stating that increased apcommodation was urgently required at the East School, as many of the children had to be accommodated in the shelter shed for their lessons and in cold weather In the teachers’ room. The secretary was directed to write to the Borough Council requesting favourable consideration of a request for a pedestrian crossing between the Central School and the Service Station opposite, this proposal being reccomended by Mr Stringer, the chief traffic inspector, when lecturing recently to the children upon safety questions. The headmaster submitted a very satisfactory report in connection with the attendance and progress of the school. The attendance, approximately, was: Main School, roll 505, average attendance 441.9; percentage of attendance, 87.5. East School, roll 76 average attendance 71,5, percentage of attendance 94. , A slight falling off in the roll was caused by two families leaving for other towns. The total roll was now 581. Mr Stringer, of the Traffic Department, gave lectures which were illustrated by films upon road safety, which were much appreciated by the children. He stressed the need for pedestrian crossings in Masterton. At present the headmaster has on duty special traffic monitors a! lunch times. A fancy dress party would be held on May 4, and the Parents’ Association dances will commence on April 22, both of which it is hoped will receive the support of parents and friends. The headmaster also reported that 68.8 per cent of the children from Standard 1 to 6 attending the Central School can now swim, and 94 per cent in Standard 6, which was considered an exceedingly satisfactory accomplishment. Messrs Newman, Nicol and Gibbs were appointed visiting members by rotation.