TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10350, 13 March 1925, Page 7

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

PLAYING GROUND FOR GIRLS.

PROPOSED NEW AREA. The Technical School Board’s meeting yesterday was attended by Messrs C Reid (chairman) R Galbraith, John Watson, W. O. Hillier G. W. Aim drews, E- Smallbone, T. Hayes, and J. financial statement showed a credit balance of' £560 9s 9d, including £2OO on fixed deposit.

Director’s Report. The Director (Mr R. J. Thompson) reported that though the epidemic had prevented the opening of the day school, the instructors . had been m attendance since the middle of bebruarv. Where possible, definite homework had been set for the students during their enforced holiday, and all those who had not already enrolled had been asked to do so at once, so that homework arrangements may be completed. Evening classes for those over 16 years of age were commenced on March 4 in the following subjects: English and arithmetic, geometrical and blackboard drawing, shorthand, typing, bookkeeping, metalwork, carpentry and - plumbing (theory and practical). Senior day students hap been advised to attend the evening classes until the re-opening of the day school. As many country students had not yet enrolled, it was rather eaily to say what the numbers for this year would be. The opening of a district hi"h school at Methven would affect them to the extent of at least a dozen students; but, considering the extremely long train journey, they could not but feel that Methven did the right thing in obtaining local secondary education for its boys and girls. It may be possible for the Technical School to help the Methven District High School by sending part-time instructors to assist, but tins would depend entirely upon what transport could be arranged. The report added*: We have to thank Mr F. Smallbone for again being the means of helping the engineering classes. He procured a motor chassis and engine in excellent condition, and had them presented to the school for demonstration purposes. Some of the parts will be cut into sections so that their internal woi ings may be watched. The gift will add interest to and make the work of the class more practical. _ Mr Smallbone appears to keep the interests of the school very clearly m mind, far lie has developed the habit of periodically adding interesting exhibits to the machine shop. The buildings and grounds, stated the report, were in splendid order. In connection with the bathing pool, the question of converting the old brewery cellar would have to be considered by the board. The owner of the sections adjoining the new* playground was enquiring as to the possibility of the board taking over the sections, and perhaps this might be desirable if a satisfactory price could be arranged. This would provide a playing area for the girls, similar to that used by the boys. The report was adopted. The matter of reporting upon the proposed playground was left to the executive. Messrs R. Houston and YV. G. Halier were appointed! a. visiting committee for the month. Advice was received tlia-t» "tlio sum of £l2O 9s 9d had been voted by the Department for putting the now playground in order, £3O for small articles of equipment, and £74 14s Id for material. No grant was made m respect of classes in wireless telegraphy physical culture, or commercial subjects. The Department was prepared to take the fire risk oil the shearing plant ot the school. . , , . . The amounts being somewhat below the grants asked by the board, Mr J. Cow suggested jocularly that it should ask for amounts larger than were reThe Government Tourist Department’s offer of six scenic views of New Zealand to be framed and hung in the school, at the board’s expense, was accented • The use of the school gymnasium for boxing classes was asked for by the Ashburton Athletic Club. The request was granted, subject to the director’s requirements in the matter being met. „ , Accounts passed for payment totalled £126 17s 6d.