Foxton

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7279, 5 October 1933, Page 10

Foxton

From Our Own Correspondent, School Matters.

The committee of the Foxton District j High School held its monthly meeting on Monday evening, those present being [ Messrs J. K. Hornblow (chairman), M. 1 E. Perreau, R. Meyer, TV. K. McKenzie, I. TV. Mudford, Fred Robinson and R. Rangiheuea. An application from the Y.TV.C.A. for the use of the school buildings during the holidays was received and discussed. As the committee had no objection, it was decided to forward the request on to the Education Board for their sanction. 'The matter of the ground improvements, which for some weeks has been proceeding with labour employed under the Unemployment Board’s J*o. 5 scheme, was discussed at length, particularly the questions of prevention of sand drift and boundary fences. It was pointed out that in view of the fact that the board's architect was preparing a plan of the work, nothing definite could yet be done in connection with the drifting sand nuisance. The financial position of the committee was reviewed at some length, after which it was decided to wait upon the school teaching' staff at an early date with the object of discussing ways and means of raising funds to meet current i expenses. j The headmasler (Mr. F. A. Mason), in ! reporting upon conditions at the school, stated that the roll number of the primary department at the end of the month was 361; average roll number for month 365; average attendance 92.5 per cent. Secondai’y department, 56, 58 and 92.1 per cent, respectively. There had been much sickness among the pupils during the month, particularly in the form of influenza. One case of mumps and one of ringworm were also reported. The Education Board had issued final warnings to a, number of parents whose children have been irregular and a marked improvement in attendance has resulted. There were still one or two cases in which it was evident that only the most drastic of actions would have the desired effect. In response to an application sent forward during the month for school requisites to meet the requirements of necessitous cases, the Education Board granted the necessary material. On September 12 and 13 Mr. E. Crosby, inspector of schools, inspected the secondary department, and recommended nine sec-ond-year pupils for senior free places. Ten senior pupils are this year candidates for tho university entrance examination, for the purpose of which Foxton will be an examining centre. Of the ten entrants, four are third-year pupils. The report was adopted. Foxton Amateur Cycling Club. The president’s annual report to be presented at the annual meeting of the above club, states that after a lapse of three years, the club is on a firm footing as far as riders are concerned, but many of the subscriptions are still outstanding, and old debts have.left the club In a poolposition financially. From the riders' point of view the season has been a good one. Races were held every week and a, 3-1-mile race to finish the season, the number of riders in all cases being very satisfactory. Thirty riders faced the starter in the final race and thanks are due to Mr. Randall for donating a cup to the winner of this race. The attendance at committee meetings has not been of the best but the assistance given by those who did attend was ail that could be desired, and thanks are due to them for the smooth running of the club. The affiliation of the club has allowed our riders to compete in outside races with outstanding success, Mr. .1. Preston having been successful in gaining fastest time in many races in Palmerston North and Devin. Mr. YV. Hussey was unfortunate in meeting with an accident which debarred him from competing in Australia as he intended. The president recommends points to be given for fastest time in races where points are given to encourage riders to try and gain this honour. During the past season complaints were made in connection with the handicapping, but it is pointed out that the riders were handicapped to make a good finish, not to give any particular rider a benefifit, and thanks are due to Mr. Neville for the able manner in which he carried out his duties as liandicapper. As most of the complaints Were that the rider was not in training, he considers these complaints were unjust. The' only way to rectify this is for every rider to do his best, and if this is done, he could look forward to the coming season with every confidence. In conclusion, a vote of thanks is extended to the secretary for the assistance given the president at all times. Golf. The semi-final l'or the men’s golf handicap match for the cup was played off on the Plerrington lfnks during the weekend between .1. H. Purcell and M. Baird and resulted in a win for the former. The final will be played during the coming week-end between TV. M, Thomas (17) and J. H. Purcell (20). This game should prove very interesting.