WHO WILL RETURN?

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30399, 25 March 1964, Page 18

WHO WILL RETURN?

Schools’ Rody In Doubt

The Christchurch Post* primary Schools* Council is always direct in its business but last evening there was a lot of hedging and looking sideways. It was the last meeting of the present council and nobody knew who, if any, would return. The chairman (Mr W. J. Cartwright), whose seat as a Governor-General’s nominee disappears, said Mr A. Greenwood, who had represented various high schools over many years, was “retiring in the meantime” and would be missed for his contributions and generous approach. This led to a succession of short speeches from other representatives who said they had enjoyed the work immensely but did not know whom their new boards would appoint. Professor George Jobberns capped the lot If he were reappointed to the council, he said, could he have leave for six months for his overseas trip. And if he were reappointed and if he were renominated as deputy-chair-man, could he please decline and be just an ordinary member? Successful Tenn Whatever happened, said Mr Cartwright the retiring council had had a successful term. An immense amount of investigation of future needs had been done, an Opawa high school site was being negotiated and others were under review, and co-operation among all schools was good. Confirmation of the council’s success came from two other sources. The inspecting accountants of the Education Department gave “a most favourable report” and praised the efficiency of the council’s financial management. The Tauranga Colleges’ Board sent an envoy during the month to study the Christchurch council’s system. Tauranga has two colleges, another planned for Mt Maunganui, and Te Puke may come into a scheme of unified administration. The Christchurch pattern was considered a model, the Tauranga interests said. During examination of the council’s accounts, Mr N. E. Taylor noted transfers to a reserve and asked what this was for. The secretary (Mr P. J. Halligan) said the council could expect greater expenses. It cost £2OO to move into the present offices and, with the growth of work, a move to new quarters would cost much more. Employment regulations provided for allowances the staff did not now enjoy. Even the present elections would cost hundreds of pounds.