TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29770, 13 March 1962, Page 17

TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Course Rolls Outlinetl

“The annual task of getting the wheels rolling is well under way, even though this year difficulties have been somewhat more than usual,” said the principal (Mr D. W. Lyall) at the meeting of the board of managers of the Christchurch Technical College last evening.

The late opening date for day school (February 5) left only one week instead of the usual two between day school opening and evening school enrolment week, so the work of starting the various sections of the college would not be separated to the usual extent. The additional load had to be carried by a depleted staff, several key members being absent on sick leave, said Mr LyallDay school enrolments were 925, 354 of whom were new pupils. The numbers in the various courses were: engineering. 344: building, 245: agricultural, 71: commercial boys, 34. girls, 106; home science, 125. “This total is 91 fewer than last year. Some reduction was expected, in view of the number of new schools on the city perimeter and the steadying down of the total intake,” said Mr Lyall. “It would seem desirable to give some consideration to whether the boys’ commercial course should be maintained; the entry has not exceeded a dozen or so for some years.” Evening school enrolments during enrolment week were about 1840 students; but now 2350. There had been a marked increase in enrolments in the commercial and accountancy courses and the New Zealand certificate course in engineering had several fourth-year groups. The building and architectural courses for New Zealand certificate had a few third-year students but the demand for the chemistry course had been very small. Enrolment in the school of commerce was 74, which corresponded closely to last year’s figure, although the intake had been more selective. There had been some requests for day classes for technicians as an alternative to evening classes, and afternoon classes in chemistry, mechanics and strength of materials had been offere.’. and were well attended.