TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 129, 13 March 1931, Page 3

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

MOTOR TRADE APPRENTICES. LOCAL FIRM’S OPINIONS. ‘ The Ashburton Technical School Board of Aianagers met yesterday afternoon when there were present Alessrs T. Hayes (chairman), J. AVatson, AV. T. Lill, G. AA r . Andrews, R. Houston, AA'. J. Sparrow, AY. Bramley. A welcome to the new member (Art Sparrow) was extended by the chairman. It was stated that- there was a credit balance of £7ll 10s Id. 'the Department of Education" wrote that it had had decided to promote an earthquake fund for school children who would be asked to give their pock-et-money to the fund in the next three weeks. The Chairman said that about' £l7 had already been sent from the school and another appeal should not be made. It was agreed to receive the letter. A letter from the Department urged the most careful attention to the purchase of equipment for class use with a viikjv to economies. The Christchurch Technical College wrote regarding a proposal that the Alinister be asked to permit Technical School Boards to retain ]0 per cent, of fees collected from pupils. The decrease in the incidental allowance had been the cause of the proposal being brought up. I’lie Principal (Mr R. J. Thompson) said that the Board was responsible for the collection of all fees but did not receive anything of .them, while it bad to make good those fees which were: not collected.

Air Lill said that the present method was centralisation to the very last penny. It was decided to support the proposal. The Ashburton Chamber of Commerce wrote congratulating the school on its good work being done, and suggested that the type of work done should he forwarded to other Chambers and that the Board should invite the Chamber to visit the school some evening. ... Jt was decided that an invitation to the Chamber when the evening classes have settled down to their work, these classes having only recently been commenced for this year. Alessrs Furniss and Drummond Ltd., Ashburton, wrote asking that it was indeed gratifying to learn from the Board’s circular of recent date that it had at last an attempt was being made to nrotect an apprentice to the motor trade when lie become .a journeyman as had lieen the custom in the plumbing and electrical trades, as well as in some branches of the engineering trade. The writer lias long felt that a certicate to repair was just as important as a certificate to drive a car, as a car ou which any part was defective was just as dangerous as .an incompetent driver, and unfortunately there were many instances of the mechanism of a car becoming defective through faulty workmanship. “Let it lie hoped” the letter went on, “that the teclmicological examination for motor trade apprentices, now only voluntary, will seen become compulsory, and become the forerunner of certificates as supplied to other trades and which are of mutual benefit .to 'ajl concerned.” The Principal said that a class may even yet be formed. The report of the Principal (published yesterday) was adopted. For the visiting committee, Air Lill reported that they had paid a visit to the school and be outlined requirements brought to bis notice. The room used as an art room should not be occupied as it was a stifly place on a warm day. Another room should be found somewhere. The chairman said that there should be two or three more classrooms, and these requirements should ho kept in mind next year. For the grounds committee, Air Lilt said that the tender of. Alessrs Smitheram and Reddedifle at £2303, for the erection of a pavilion/ on the playing area that Alessrs AY. H. Collins and Co., ’ Ltd., at £IOO, for furniture and fittings for the (Cookery room ; and that of Mr AA". J. Brown, at £64 14s, tor folding doors for the cookery room, shoul(f he accepted. If was decided to apply to the Department of Education for a subsidy towafd the cost of the work, before approving of the tenders, the niattei to bo finalised at the next meeting.