GREY TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 September 1945, Page 3

GREY TECHNICAL SCHOOL

BOAPiD OF MANAGEPtS.

Mr. J. B. Kent presided at the annual meeting of the Board of Managers of the Greymouth Technical High School, held last evening, other members present being: Mrs. G. Blair, Messrs D. S. Kennedy, F. Bird, F. H. Denton, F. L. Turley, W. Braithwaite, W. McGilchrist, .1. H. North, G. Gillespie, J. J. Haddock and J. N. McNulty. The chairman extended a welcome to new members of the Board and was of the opinion that their knowledge and experience would be of assistance. On his motion a vote of appreciation and thanks was accorded the members who had retired and had done good work. The Principal, Mr. W. M. Stewart, advised that the Department of Education had agreed to the alterations to the proposed caretaker’s cottage, providing for three bedrooms' instead of two.

Mr. Haddock asked where the house was to be constructed.

The Principal stated that the Board had previously agreed that the cottage *be erected in a corner, of the grounds at the intersection of Shakespeare and Marlborough Streets Mr. Haddock and Mr. Braithwaite both expressed the opinion that there would not be enough room in that corner for the house now that its size had been increased. “Well, that’s the limit as far as town planning is concerned,” said Mr. Turley, when the Principal advised that it was the Board’s intention to put the house at the Shakespeare Street side of the grounds and build a swimming pool on the High Street side. “Fancy building a swimming bath on the main entrance to the town and a new house on a back road,” he added, and gave notice of a motion that he would move at the next meeting that the motion in connection with the site of the house be rescinded.

The Education Department forwarded information in connection with a refresher course for soldierteachers, and it was decided to cooperate where possible. The Canterbury Education Board notified Mr. Turley’s appointment as their representative on the Board. Correspondence from the Nelson Education Board authorising the purchase of a new electric range for the Reefton centre was received. Mrs. Blair, for the Visiting Committee, noted the improvements at the hostel and suggested that the floor and walls of the boys’ dormitory be calcimined and relined. The new prefabricated room was bright and appeared satisfactory. The Principal was empowered to obtain an estimate for the work on the floors.

Messrs McNulty and Turley were appointed to the Visiting Committee for the ensuing month. The Finance Committee reported a credit balance of £6lO/16/11- Accounts amounting to school £606 10/- and hostel £92/17/11 were passed for payment. PRINCIPAL’S REPORT. The Principal’s report, as follows, was adopted: During the period, one boy has been admitted and nine boys and six girls have been withdrawn, leaving the present school roll at 411. comprising 209 boys and 202 girls. Of the withdrawals, five are ciue to departure from the district, two are of pupils in their first year, and six of pupils in their . second year. Owing to some confusion due to the V.J. holidays at the end of the term, the average attendance has been lower than usual, being 88.5 per cent, for the two school weeks. Mr. L. E. Tweedie, returned from five and a half years’ overseas service, has resumed his duties, and Mr. J D. Lyon, of the manual teaching staff, who has been for three ’and a half years on the ground staff of the R.N.Z.A.F., hopes to do so at an early date. Mr. J. C. Gilbert commenced duty at the commencement of the term. Miss Nicholson was unable for health reasons to resume at the new term, but hopes to be back with us shortly. . , , The day school, evening school, and manual training departments all resumed work for the third term on September 11. The Rugby and basketball matches against Papanui Technical High School, played at the end of last term, were won by our teams, and the games were most enjoyable. Thanks are due to the parents whose kindness in billeting our Papanui guests contributed so largely to the success of the visit. School subscriptions received since last Board meeting amount to £l3 14/- making a progress total for the year of £166/17/11. Payments for music and entertainment total £8 16/5. and accounts for slightly over £2/10/- for printing, advertising and transport, are outstanding. The balance in hand is £142/16/2.