TECHNICAL CLASSES ASSOCIATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7826, 19 June 1909, Page 4

TECHNICAL CLASSES ASSOCIATION.

The ordinary meeting of the Board of Managers for the' Technical Classes Association was held last evening.. Present— Mr H. Davis, the Mayor (in the chair), and Messrs D> Wood, C. Reid, W: Ht Collins, Schneider; F: Ferriinan, T. Hayes, P. Cox, J. McLeod, and R. Collins (hon. treasurer). An apology was received frohi Mr W. B. Denshire for absence. The Chairman reported a credit balance at the bank of £9 16s lOd, which with £100 deposited with the Building Society, gave them a total credit balance of £109 16s lOd. A letter was received from the Temuka Technical Association stating the [Board regretted that it was unable to grant the Ashburton Board the use of its typewriters. —Received." A letter was received from the Education Board stating that classes for enamelling, etc., had been recognised at Ashburton. Attention was called to the following extract from the re-; port of the Department's inspector : "It is proposed to conduct the class, if recognised, in a plumber's shop, with certain tools used for the higher branches of hammered metal work, which can be secured at a rental of 5s per week. There are many objections to the proposed arrangement, and I am of the opinion that with a small expenditure on a bench, three or four pairs of bench vyces, and an extra gaspipe from the existing gas meter to the muffle furnace, the room at present used for woodwork classes in the Technical School would be preferable, and no expense for accommodation would bo incurred. Mr Reid said that anyone who looked over the place would see that there was no room for the class in the woodwork room, but tho Board had simply to make the best of what they had. Mr Ferriman favoured renting a place for a period of one month. :Mr Hayes said he understood from Mr Hodgkins that this class would require a large number of tools, and if that was so they-would have difficulty] in providing sufficient accommodation' in the present woodwork room. Mr Collins was under a different impression. Under the circumstances they would simply have to do the best they could, and he would move that the matter be referred to the executive to make the best arrangements possible. He thought this would be the best course to take, for the members of the Board might talk for hours to no purpose. ; Mr Ferriman moved, arid Mr Hayes, who^held that the present school was too 'far away, seconded, that Mr Hyde's offer be accepted for one month. Mr Collins said he was sorry to hear it argued that the school was too far away. This was the weakest possible argument that could be used. > Mr Hayes said he knew of many parents who refused to allow their children to attend the classes because of the distance from home. Mr Cox thought the gentlemen who are interesting themselves in the Class, and were instrumental in having it started, should be consulted on 'the question before them.; The success of the classes would depend, very largely on these gentlemen. \ The Chairman said that Mr Hodgkins had offered no objection to holding the class at the school ; besides they had to consider the recommendations of Mr Isaacs. Mr McLeod understood from Mr Isaacs's letter that the Department was not prepared to pay rent, and if Mr Hodgkins was agreeable, they should hold the class at the school. ■-, Mr Reid said Mr- Isaacs did not want to ppend the Government's money unless it could not possibly be avoided. He himself recognised the disadvantages at the school, but they had to do their, best. The amendment was in the right direction if its end could be gained,' but he thought it would be better to leave the matter in the hands of the executive. The amendment was put and lost, and the motion carried. The Secretary said that nine pupils wore prepared to join the plumbing class. Mr Reid moved that tho starting of this class be referred to the executive with power to act. ' ■ Mr McLeod, in "seconding the motion, said he thought they might be j able to obtain the services of Mr Kershaw, who took the Timaru classes. The motion was carried. Mr Collins reported that twelve pupils were prepared to take lessons in painting should a class be started, arid he thought that in such an institution instruction in painting should be provided for. The pursuit of art should be encouraged and assisted. . He had communicated with two teachers—one at Christchurch and one 'at Timaru. Both were well qualified, and the gentleman from Christchurch was one of the best teachers in New Zealand. He would move that the executive take steps to start such a class. He had all needful information to lay before the Secretary, and he felt that the class would be a benefit to the whole community. The fee would be £1.. At Temuka it was 17s 6d, but that had been proved too little. Mr Cox seconded the motion, which was carried. The Education Department wrote in reply to a letter from the Board, ..dated April 23, regarding the proposed lease by the Ashburton Borough Council of a site for a Technical School. It was stated that the Department was advised that under section 191 of the Education Act, 1908, a Borough Council has the necessary power, unless the proposed lease would be a breach of trust affecting the land. If for example the land is reserved for some specific purpose, for instance, a site for a Town Hall, it would be a breach of trust to lease it in the way proposed. On the other hand, if the land is for municipal purposes generally, there would be no breach of terms. It was decided, on the motion of Mr McLeod, to fdrward. the letter to the Borough Council. The sSecretarysSecretary reported that with regard to the proposed agricultural chemistry class no definite information was available as to the number likely to attend. There, was alsd a I difficulty of getting a teacher who would be available during the hours the country pupils could attend. : Mr Watters could give only one night each week, which would not be sufficient. ': Mr Collins said they would have to consider the country pupils, and the best thing they could do, perhaps, would be to get a teacher from Christchurch or Timaru. Mr Hayes moved, and Mr Ferriman seconded, that during the winter months no class bo formed, . The Chairman said he would tie sorry if-this class fell through, inasmuch as they had given £25 towards the equipment of the science room.: Mr McLeod suggested that they might obtain the services of a gentleman from Christehurch later, who would give general satisfaction ; in tho meantime he was of the opinion that the class should not be proceeded with. It was finally resolved that the commencement of this class should be deferred for the present. The accounts were passed for payment, and this concluded the business.