Foxton

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7025, 8 December 1932, Page 8

Foxton

SCHOOL MATTERS

From Our Own Correspondent,

Mr. J. K. Hornblow presided ovor tho monthly meeting of tho Foxiou District High School Committee. Also present were Messrs McKenzie, Eangiheuea, H. J. Read, F. Robinson, I. Mudford, E. Meyer and the headmaster (Mr. F. A. Mason). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs G. F. Smith and M. E. Perreau.

The headmaster, in his reports, stated that during the past month the main work at the school had been associated with tho annual examinations which are now almost completed. The inspectors visited the school and inspected both departments on November 9 and 10, their reports being of a satisfactory nature, noth departments at present showed a slight decrease on last month’s figures in regard to attendance. On November 18 to 25 13 pupils (second year) of the secondary department sat for tho intermediate examination for senior free places, but the results would not bo known for some little time. Four senior pupils of the same department had qualified for higher leaving certificates, three pupils were candidates for teachers’ training college entrance examination and one for university entrance. The proucieucy examination in connection with tho primary department was held on Wednesday. Tho staff had decided to hold a concert on Thursday, 15th inst., and asked that the sum of £3 bo earmarked for Christmas gifts to the infant children, and a further £3 for supplementary readers for tho primary school. They -would also like the committee’s sanction to purchase further readers to tho value of £8 Is early in February next. The teachers felt that if material to the total value of £ll was put into tho class libraries early in the year it would go a long way towards meeting very urgent requirements.

The report was adopted and it was decided to fix tho prices for the concert at Is 6d and Is, school children half price. Tho committee expressed its high appreciation of tho inspectors’ report and desired that its commendation be communicated to tho staff. Tho headmaster acknowledged the compliment and paid a tribute to the loyalty of tho staff. A tribute was also passed to the work of tho janitor. Farewell Social.

A largo number of both young and old folks, including representatives of both tho Anglican Boys' Club and the local District High School, were present at a farewell social tendered to Master Harold Newton by tho Presbyterian combined Sunday school and Bible classes in tho Presbyterian schoolroom on Monday evening. During the evening much appreciated items were contributed by the following:—Miss P. Martin, pianoforte solo; Miss J. Barron, vocal solo; Mr. A. Anderson, mouth-organ item; Miss U. Thomson, recitation; Mr. Edwards, pianoforte solo. A word-building competition was won by Miss G. Coley. Games were also indulged in and at a suitable juncture Mr. J. K. Hornblow referred to the object of the gathering, the representative character of which was a line tribute to the guest, who was about to loavo them to take up a position in Cambridge. Harold had taken a very keen interest in Sunday school and Bible class work and other activities of a social nature in connection with tlie young people's organisations, and his departure would be regretted by all. A special tributo was paid to his work m the Sunday school. On behalf of the Sunday school and Church the guest of honour was presented with a fountain pen as a token of esteem.

The Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau); Kev. Mr. Leisliam and several others also eulogised tho activities and character of tho young man and extended best wishes for his future. The recipient briefly and fccliugly thanked tho speakers for thoir kindly sentiments and token of esteem, and he was accorded musical honours. • Mr. J. .Newton, on behalf of Mrs. Newton and himself, said they weie proud to know that their son was held in such high esteem by those assembled. Subsequently a bountiful supper was dispensed and the gathering closed with tho singing of' “Auld Lang Sync.'' Preparing Por The Woolpack Factory. A start has been made with the work of levelling off the hill on Mr. M. E. Perreau's section, which has been presented by the offner to the New Zealand Woolpack and Textiles, Ltd., as the site’for their first factory. A gang of No. 5 scheme- workers under tho supervision- of Mr. W. D. Neville (borourh waterworks foreman) are engaged in stripping tho turf off the flat area of the property-where subsequently the spoil from the hill will be evenly distributed and the area returfed. xi. tram line is to be erected to convey the sand from the hill to the flat ground and it is stated that approximately 60 men will be engaged in the work which is expected to tak two months to complete.

General. The funeral of tho late George Douglas Urwin, whose death was the resuit of an accident which took place whilst riding a • racehorse at Hhvinui, near Ashhurst, on Sunday, took place on Tuesday afternoon. The service at the home of the deceased’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. ,G. W. Urwin, of Cook street, and also at the graveside was conducted by Adjutant Parkinson, of the Salvation Army. The pall-bearers, all companions of the unfortunate lad, were W. Symons, K. Coley, Halidone, C. Carmoht, A.'Urwin' (brother) and e. McGill. The casket was covered with a large number of floral tributes. The friends of Mr. L. King will bo pleased to learn that he has been successful in obtaining a position with a printing firm in Wellington. Mr. King left Poston gn, Monday. \