SCHOOL AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 April 1941, Page 4

SCHOOL AFFAIRS

MASTERTON WEST COMMITTEE MEETING NEW BUILDING NEARING COMPLETION. HEADMASTER’S REPORT. The monthly meeting of the Masterton West School Committee was held last night. In the absence of the chairman, Mr E. R. Rogers, Mr F. Shearer presided. There were also present: Messrs Baird, Batty, Campbell, Graham, Haybittie and the headmaster, Mr J. P. Farrell.

Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Rogers and Gilbert. Mr Farrell submitted a comprehensive report on the milk supply, as requested at the last committee meeting. Members considered the report entirely satisfactory. It was decided to erect receptacles for milk cases at the Side School.

In view of the early occupation of the new school building it was decided to request the Wellington Education Board to renovate and repair furnishings before’placing them in the new school. The matter of arranging a suitable opening ceremony was held over.

Mr Farrell reported that pupils would attend the Anzac Day service at Masterton Park.

An electric clock is to be installed in the new school.

Accounts for £24 18s lid were passed. It was decided to approach the Wellington Education Board concerning the state of the asphalt in front of the school and also to suggest that the girls’ shelter shed be removed to another site.

The headmaster's report stated that the roll number was 337. The attendance was slightly affected by a mild epidemic of mumps. Mr H. Filer had returned from a Territorial Camp and Miss W. Davie, who was relieving, had been transferred. Prior to Anzac Day appropriate talks would be given by the teachers and suitable floral emblems would be prepared for placing on the memorial and on soldiers' graves. The Post Office Savings Bank had made the usual grant of £2 to bo expended upon the library or school sports. The children were thoroughly enjoying the free distribution of apples.’ Mr Farrell suggested that the official opening ceremony of the new school be postponed until the children had had time to settle down in their new surroundings.

"I am pleased to be able to report that, during the swimming season 125 certificates were awarded. The upper classes were trained in life-saving methods and 50 children were taught to swim," said Mr Farrell. Two basketballs, two bladders and twelve football jerseys were needed.