RUSSELL STREET SCHOOL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 249, 19 September 1929, Page 3

RUSSELL STREET SCHOOL.

MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Russell Street School Committee was held last evening, Mr D. Morrison presiding. Also present were Messrs. IP. T. Vasey, P. S. Larpomb, G. L. Homan, R. J. fc>. Wright and R. Lee. An apology for absence was received from Mr C. G. Swallow (secretary). The headmaster, Mr F. C. Campbell, reported as follows:- —“The present roll number is 168, which represents an increase of 51 since the opening of the school in March last. The attendance and weekly average for last week constituted a record tor the school, being 158 and 163.6 respectively. This is a 1 V ery gratifying state of affairs showing as it does the importance parents are placing on the question of regular attendance. With the co-operation of * all parents an. average attendance or 160 should soon be realised. Mr Bree, of the board’s office 6taff, .and Mr Hodge, architect, have visited the school. Both expressed keen satisfaction at the improvements effected. Mr Hodge was particularly anxious to see all the fences between the school and private property completed. _ In® planting of the shrubbery is practically completed. Mr Mountfort, a member of the staff, who is keenly interested in New Zealand flora, has made himself responsible for the laying out and he has succeeded in getting together a very fine oollection. It is his intention to make this as complete as possible so that every child will have an opportunity of becoming familiar with our native trees. The school staff would appreciate regular monthly visits from members of the committee if this is at all practicable.” , After paying a tribute to the excellent work done by Mr Mountford, the chairman stated that Mr J. H. fetevens had donated £1 towards the cost or labelling the trees and, being enthusiastic on the subject of native flora, had. promised to assist with the labelling of the trees ' with the Maori names. The headmaster stated that he would like Mr Stevens, when visiting the school, to address the children. It was decided to thank Mr Stevens for his interest in the. project and to ask him to address the children. It was also decided to write a letter of thanks to Mr Mountfort and also a letter to the Wanganui Education Board acquainting it of the interest in the school environment shown by Mr Mountfort. Messrs Vasey and Homan were appointed the visiting committee for the month. It was decided to apply to the board for four roto-roll frames, Mr Campbell stating that Mr Hodge had had a holder specially designed. A donation of 8s was received from Mr Decamp and a vote of thanks was accorded him. It was decided to hold a “workingbee” on September 28 under the direction of Mr Honan. The chairman stated that this party would be able to complete the concrete work. The chairman intimated that the back portion of the school grounds, an acre in area,’ would have to be ploughed and levelled shortly for g lanting in grass before the end of ctober. Details in connection with this .work were left to. the chairman.