Auckland Plans Apprentice School

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30951, 6 January 1966, Page 4

Auckland Plans Apprentice School

“The Press" Special Service . AUCKLAND. The Auckland District Committee plans to establish an apprentice’s school on the Auckland Racing Club’s property at Takanini in the next month or so.

The school, which will be compulsory for apprentices from Ellerslie, Takanini. Avondade and Pukekohe, will be held in a house near the training tracks. “1 can not say how long it will be before we have it formed,” said Mr W. N. Mackie, the secretary of the Auckland District Committee, “as there is a fair amount of work to be done on the building. But it will be established as soon as possible.” Mr Mackie said the school would more than likely be held twice a month. “We will deal with every phase of living,” said Mr Mackie, “the race riding will be taught by the riding instructor, W. Hooton, during the week.” The school will be modelled upon the same lines ar the Hawke’s Bay District Committee's school at Hastings which has proved a great success. Mr P. J. Reid, a stipendiary steward in the southern part of the North Island, and an assistant at the Hastings school, said the school had had outstanding results. The school is directed by Mr R. J. Fowler, a retired head-master, who is assisted by Mr Reid and Mr A. E. ; Bird, an assistant stipendiary! steward in the Hawke’s Bay district.

Mr Reid said the ideais ofi the Hastings school were gen-1

erally to help the boys to become good citizens. The main academic subject taught is English. Half-hour talks are given by many professional men, police officers and veterinarian surgeons.

“Our school helps the toys generally,” said Mr Reid. “The boys learn to overcome shyness and it also gives them confidence and the ability to conduct themselves well in public.” Mr M. C. Conway, the president of the Auckland Owners’ and Trainers’ Association said his association was right behind the movement

"As well as being beneficial to apprentices the school will also be beneficial for the lads who are thinking of taking of taking up training later on in their careers,” said Mr Conway.