HIGH SCHOOLS

Evening Star, Issue 18589, 21 March 1924, Page 3

HIGH SCHOOLS

MEETING OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS A meeting of tho Board of Governors of tho Otago Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools was held yesterday afternoon. There were present Dr G. E. Thompson (in tho chair) and Messrs W. R. Bnigh, J. Webb, T. K. Sidey, M.P., J. M. Callaway, Dr Fulton, and the Hon. D. T, Fleming. RECTOR’S REPORT. The rector (Mr W. J. Morrell) submitted 1 the following report;—Tho total number of boys now upon the school roll is 617, of whom 178 are seniors, 408 juniors, and 31 paying pupils. Tho corresponding totals for Dio past five years, March, 1919 to 1924, were respectively 495 , 492, 628, 684, and 622. At the request of tho Garden Feto Committee, a squad from tho school, under Mr Kor■they’s direction, gave a display of physical exercises at tho open-air entertainment on Saturday, March 8. Arrangements, are also being made for a large number of Cadets from tho school to tako part in the military pageant to be held in April on behalf of the war memorial fund.—Received. LADY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT. The monthly report of the lady principal (Alias M. H. M. King) was as follows :—The roll number on March 1 was: 1924, 506; 1923, 480; 1922, 452; 1921, 394, The school had procured a largo number of books for the school library. It bad been their desire to buy books on history, travel, geography, literature, natural history, etc., that will be interesting and useful to tlie scholars, and also books of reference for the use of pupils and staff. The Old Girls’ Association last year made a large donation of standard works, and proposed; to increase the gift this year. It seemed to her that if the two small rooms on the right of tho main entrance could be made into one _ they would have a very much more suitable room for the library, and she would bo glad to consult with any representative of tho board on tho subject. They had, as approved by the hoard last year, purchased a gramophone and records for the school. It was proposed to use this instrument (ll to supplement the instruction, in the French classes; (2) to provide from time to time lectures and demon.straiions for tho pupils to extend their knowledge and appreciation of good music. they hoped to Build up a library of good records, which would enable them to give doiinue series of lectures on musical appreciation and kindred subjects. The staff fell, that the gramophone would be a most valuable addition to the equipment of the school. The school nicnie was held on Friday, March V, at the Spit and Harrington Point.—Received GENERAL.

A letter was received from Hie Auckland Grammar School Board which slated t’uu. the hoard had reason to believe that, dissatisfaction was widely felt among secondary school boards “ with the excessive and increasing centralisation of the control of the secondary schools in the Education Department, Wellington." It was suggested that some, joint action should bo taken. In connection with the same matter, the High Schools’ Boards Association wrote suggesting that a conference should be held in the sccomd week in ■May. It was also asked that the Otago 1. .an! should he represented.—it was decided to approve of the proposed conference, details to bo supplied at. the next

meeting. A report was received from Messrs Mandetto and Fraser regarding the installation of drinking fountains at the Girls’ High School.—lt. was decided that the department should report, on. the water supply at both schools.

The Otago. High School Old Roys' Society wrote staling that at a meeting of the executive it was decided to arfvi.se the board that, the executive was in favor of a full record of all tho masters who had passed through the school, being kept in tho -form of an album. It was also suggested that, the latest block of building erected at the school .should be, named after the late. Mr Brent or Mr Mungo Watson,—Regarding the former matter, it was decided to approve of tile suggestion, the chairman to. report concerning f lie cost. In connection with naming the ■buildings, it, was derided that the. chairman should confer with the rector. The Lady Principal wrote that, should the number of pupils be fun her increased in 1925, it. would be necessary to find another classroom, and ultimately other extra, classrooms would be needed.— Received. Tho Rector recommended that the applications from Messrs R, W. S. Rutting and T. J. L. Ramin for permission to take work at, the. Technical (Allege two nights weekly should be agreed to. --Approved.