TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 7

TECHNICAL COLLEGE

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION

The second annual meeting of the Wellington Technical College Parents' Association -was held in the Assembly Hall of the college last night, Mr. M. Gandar presiding. Mr. Gandar, presenting the annual report, said that no really outstanding contribution had been made to the welfare of the college during the year, but they had accomplished something by having a direct parents' representative, Mrs. M. J. Bentley, elected to the Board of Governors of the college. Although, admittedly it was only the first year of the association's life, it was nevertheless discouraging to see the generally apathetic attitude displayed by most of the parents. Strenuous efforts had been made to gain new members, but they haj met with little success. The present membership of 82 was very poor considering the number of pupils, day and .night, who attended the college. Mrs. M. J. Bentley also remarked upon the indifference of parents, and said that it was a great pity as the college was one of the finest in the country, was excellently staffed and equipped, and the education gained there was as good as any to be obtained in New Zealand. Mr. W. H. Moore, delegate of the Old Students' Association, said that too great an initial growth could not reasonably be expected. He quoted the case of the Old Students' Association, which, although founded in 1920, had only achieved real prominence in the last two or three years Vigorous publicity should, he thought; attract many new members, and he was optimistic of the association's future progress. Mr. Gandar then discussed the question of the award of bursaries to outstanding pupils .whose parents were unable to support them at ihe college Unfortunately the deputation appointed by the association had not yet been able to gain an interview with the Minister of Education (the Hon. P. Fraser), and until a definite assurance of a subsidy from the Government was received the scheme could aot be continued. It was a pity, for the scheme reflected credit on those associated

with it and would, he thought, attract many new members. He then moved that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee that the position' of the association and the Government be crystallised as soon as possible. The ladies' auxiliary had been active during the year, several enjoyable social gatherings being held. The president, Mrs. Gandar, reminded members that the annual meeting of the auxiliary would take place on April

19. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr. J. H. Davidson; vice-presidents, Mrs. 1.1. J. Bentley Mr. E. Hopkinson; secretary, Mr. R. S. Hilton; treasurer, Mr. A. Robinson; hon. auditor, Miss E. M. Copping; committee. Messrs. McGinitty and Bentley, Mesdames Wainwright, Domb, Crowther, Elliott, Bruce. Husband, O'Neill, McKenzie, Auld; Old Students' Association representative, Mr. W. H. Moore. Votes of thanks were accorded to the retiring president, Mr. Gandar, and the retiring committee.