JOTTINGS FROM WANGANUI.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1190, 27 July 1911, Page 9

JOTTINGS FROM WANGANUI.

DEATH OF MR. J. W. EMMERSON. (By Tclceraph.—Saecia! Corresunndant.) Wanganui, July 2G. Sportsmen all over this partof the North Island will regret to hear of the d*ath of Mr. J. W. Emmerson, of Waverley, who passed away tliis morning. Mr. Emmerson, v;ho was only 40 - years of age, had suffered from a painful malady for the last two or three years, and underwent several 'Operations, wli'Va, however, only afforded relief of a temporary nature. Nevertheless he stuck gamely to his work, and carried out both private and public duties till a few days ago, ,jvhen another operation became 1 necessary. Surgical skill was unavailing, however, and he passed away. as stated. Mr. Emmerson had resided in Waverley for. some twenty years, and was wellknown and highly esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. He found time from his business, to do much useful public work, having been a member of the Waverley i Town Board, and other local bodies. lie Was also well-known as a good, clean sportsman, and, in his .younger days, was a prominent footballer, having been included in the Wanganui representative team in several matches. Of late years he was one of . the most prominent members of tho Waverley Bowling Club, and also rendered valuable services to tho WaverleyWaitotara Racing Club, and also to the Wavorley A. and P. Association in tho capacity of secretary.

The medical examination of tho 13U young men enrolled in the Wanganui district for defence training is now being conducted, and will probably 'occupy tho whole of the week. Drs. Porritt and Anderson are the medical officers undertaking the examinations. Ont of the 123 so far examined, only two have failed to pass. About SO members of the School Committee, head teachers, and members of tho Education Board attended at the Borough Chambers last ovening, when matters in connection with the future of technical education in Wanganui were discussed. Mr. 1?. Pirani, chairman of the Education Board, presided, and, in a lucid manner, set out the board's proposals, which briefly are:—To make the technical college a day technical college; to disestablish the district high school so that pupils would attend tho technical college; to establish an infant school, which, in conjunction with St. John's School, would train children up to Standard I. In sotting out these proposals, Mr. R.irani mentioned that it was the object of tho board to_ make the college ono of the best in New Zealand, and, v;hile pupils now attending the District High School would recoive a better education at the college, there- would be a gain to the board of £$ or more por pupil in Government subsidy. Under the compulsory regulation, pupils from within the radius of a couple of miles would have to attend. Day and evening classes would be conducted, aud secondary as well as technical subjects would bo" taught. As to the infant school, tho board proposed that it should be the most up-to-date kindergarten in the Dominion. The salaries of tho teachers of schools which would bo affected by tho proposed change would not • suffer. The general feeling of tho conference seemed to' be in favour of the scheme, but members preferred an adjournment in order to give them time to consider it. Another conference will, therefore, be held on Monday week.