MEETINGS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9291, 28 April 1920, Page 2

MEETINGS

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD

The monthly meeting of the Ashburton High School Board'of Governors was held yesterday morning, the chairman, Mr J. Tucker, presiding. There were also present: Messrs R. Galbraith, W. Oakley. W. T. Lill; 0. Reid, A. Horsey, .nd the Rev. G. Miller. An apology was received from Mr W. B. Denshire. - The headmaster (Mr W. F. Watters) reported that the school roll was 108 boys and 80 girls. Since, the last report two boys and two girls had left. The average' attendance had been 170, or 90 cent, of the roll. The term examinations had been held, and the school closed for term holidays on Friday last, to resume on Wednesday, May 12. Tlie Department of Agriculture having given no indication of what it intends doing in regard, to the school agricultural classes participating in the work of the farm, he suggested, that the Department be again written to, to ascertain its intentions. He also "suggested the appointment of an advisory committee to foster the practical side of the school in agriculture.

The report was adopted. In reference to the school agricultural classes, Mr Watters said that matters were practically at a standstill. No soil had been provided by the Department for testing purposes. The time had arrived when something should be done to ascertain what the Department was going to do with this farm.

Mr Horsey said that in his opinion the farm was a "white elephant" under the present arrangements, and had really nothing to do with the board.

Mr Lill contended''that the Government were running the farm like an ordinary farm, for profitable purposes. He did not think the farm was for that purpose. If the board did not do something in the matter the Government would certainly let the matter drop.

; Mr Reid considered it was time the board did something.* practical. Tho farm had. not been used in the way' he 'had expected it to be. It was admirably suited for fruit farming and dairying. If the Department did not do 'something the board should tako practical steps. Rev. G. Miller was in favour of i 1 committee being elected to put the position before the Agricultural Department. He. agreed that it was necessary to ••have an advisory committee to foster the practical side of the school work in agriculture. It was decided to elect a committee comprising Messrs J. Tucker, C. Reid, W. Oakley, and W. T. Lill to bring the* matter under the notice of tho Department and the Minister of Agriculture. '■.'■'

The chairman reported a credit balance of £14 17s 2d.

The Visiting Committee's report was received and adopted. Accounts amounting to £338 19s lOd were passed for payment. On the motion of the chairman, it was resolved to write to Mr W. B. Denshire conveying the board's sympathy in his illness.