Waimate School Committee.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 111, 21 February 1901, Page 3

Waimate School Committee.

The usual monthly meeting of the above wa3 hold on Tuesday evening. Present—Messrs VV. M. Hamtlton (■.hair), Mathias, J. Cameron, E. Williams, Niool and \V. L. Scott Secretary). Mr Pitoaithly (head master) was also present. The minutes of monthly and special meetings were read and passed. A desultory discussion took place in regard to the forthcoming picnic. It was stated.that if the weather were wet the outing would be postponed, and the Ctfimniuee would incur no loss. The secretary stated that replies had only been received horn two *jhools—Lower Otaio and Waituna — both of which were willing to co-operate, but meanwhile harvest fcolidays prevailed. The Committee decided to intimate to teachers that they were expected to attend the excursion. headmastbr's repobt. The Headmaster's report was read It showed that the average attend anee was 425 on a roll-call of 477. There were still a number of children, chiefly of the upper classes, who had not yet returned to the school. The j results of the Educatiou Board scholarships (already published) again ] showed the sehool well to the fore.] Charles Foweraker headed the senior scholarship list by 210 marks, while Ida Mann, a Staudard V. pupil, aged 12, succeeded in carrying off a junior scholarship. In the Uni.-ersity examination Donald Macpherson passed the ; Medical Preliminary. i

They would doubtless receive the resignation of Miss Ellen Smith, fourth year pupil teacher, lately appointed assistant mistress at Upper Otaio. He had much pleasure in ■stating that Miss Smith had proved herself a most thorough, conscientious .and able teacher, and her promotion was well earned. To fill the vacancy he stro-igly supported the appointment of Miss Grace Turner, whose school career and general aptitude fitted her in every way for the position.

With a view to encouraging athletics in primary schools, a combined sports meeting was to be hold in Timaru on March 28th. a pro .gamine of which ha enclosed. The Education Board had granted £5 to the fuud3, and also given a holiday for the sports. He thought this an opportune time for suggesting the formation •of school sports here, which he had liad in mind for some time. He suggested that an enclosed programme -bo gone through on March 7th, in -order to select candidates for the Timaru gathering. Small donations for the prizes would be acceptable. He also asked that a gate be erected in the fence at ihe back of the school, Aui that a door and door be put in Lis .outhouse, or that it be extended. It was decided to erect the gate .and to iloor ihe outhouse as asked for.

The rosigaaiion of Miss Ellen Smith as pupil teacher in Waimate District High Sehool was received.

Miss Smith's resignation wa3 received;-with regret, the committee placing on record its appreciation of tor nervieea.

An application was received fur the .position vacated by Miss Smith, from Miss Grace Turner,

Mr Slowart wrote, asking that his position as pupil teacher be made permanent. It was pointed out by the Headmaster that Mr J. Stewart was acting in place of Mr Robert Goldstone, and if he were appointed to the vacancy he would be in a permanent position, while a position as logum tknens to Mr Goldstone wouid bo vacant.

It was decided to appoint Mr Stewart to the vacant position.

The Headmaster supported Miss Turner's application on account of her very brilliant school career, and it was decided to forward her name to the Board for approval. SCHOOL SPORTS. A circular was received from the South Canterbury Schools Athletic Association, asking this sehooi to join. The rules permitted three scholars to compete in each of the events, whieh comprise all forms of school sports and physieal drill. Mr Mathias moved and Mr Scott seconded, ,J That this school join the association." —Carried. The question of the school itself inaugurating annual sports was then discussed, members generally being in favour of the idea. After discussion, Mr Nicol moved and Mr Cameron seconded, " That school sports bo held on Saturday, March 2nd."- Carried. A gate charge of 3d for children and 6d for adults was fixed, children atte.id ing this school to go in free on passes supplied by the teachers. It was thought by several members hat the honour of winning would be enough, but others believed that few would compete under this condition, and it was decided to buy small prizes with the gate money. Mr Williams, one of the visitors for tha month, reported the school promises generally in a satisfactory condition.

Messrs Hamilton and Cameron were appointed visitors for the ensuing month.

Accounts amounting to £9 6s 4d were passed.