TALKING FILMS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 23, 7 November 1938, Page 6

TALKING FILMS

PLANT FOR HIGH SCHOOL. DECISION OF THE BOARD. REPORT ON FARM WORKING. “We are desirous of obtaining a talking picture apparatus for the school. 1 am ol' opinion that with suitable films, which are available, it would be of immense value for most subjects. Ihe school lias already, by means of lorm concerts", made a start to gather the necessary money. A e would be pleased to know that the Board could see it way to assist,” stated the headmaster (Mr E. A. Cockroft) at the meeting of the Ashburton High School Board of Governors this morning. The chairman said the outfit would cost £l3O, but the results irom a teaching point of view were surprising. For £ls a year, the school could rent 150 films, and there were free films available as well. He thought the film would teach more in a few minutes than ordinary teaching methods could achieve. The Headmaster said that by the end of this year the school, would have about £35 in hand. It was the intention. to hold some sort ol U gala, early next year, and that should raise a large sum.

It was decided to ask the Department of Education for permission to defray half the cost of the plant, the school to find the other half. There were present at the meeting, Dr. G. T. Miller (chairman), Messrs A. N. Grigg, M.P., G. C.-Nic-011, W. H. Woods, J. W. Bowden, E. H. Orr, J. Brown, and F. Frampton “During the month the attendance has been poor through sickness,” the report said. “Messrs Caradus and Tomlinson were two days at the school on their second visit to the school this year. The school will close for the year on December 16, and will resume on February 7.

“Following is the farm report given by Mr McGregor:— “During the month we have built two concrete farrowing houses. The only cost is for cement, as all the shingle necessary was carried by the men supplied by the Labour Department. The whole of the concreting was done by these men, who made a satisfactory job. The rest of the work has been done by the boys themselves.

“Top dressing of grass and wheat with sulphate of ammonia has produced some quite visible effects. “A small paddock of ryegrass was top dressed with superphosphates and then one half of it received lOOlbs of Sulphate of ammonia to the acre. The line of demarkation is plainly visible, the sulphate of ammonia portion having grass 3-4 ins. longer than the other portion. The method of application on the wheat was as follows: Drill widths were drilled at intervals over tjie paddock and then one drill width was sown at light angle*. The drill strips show up clearly, the wheat being darker green and longer than where it wr/s untreated.

“Shearing of the rams has been carried out, and the remainder of the flock will be shorn at the end of the month. The large white boar was entered; in. the A. and P. Show, and was awarcjjed first prize and champion tickets. Stock on farm: Horses 5, pigs 6, sheep 296. For the visiting committee, Mr Grigg stated that it appeared there was nothing requiring immediate attention at the school. The financial statement showed that there was a debit balance of £137 15s lid.