JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL.

Matamata Record, Volume VII, Issue 586, 1 December 1924, Page 4

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL.

FiINISTER'S OFFER ACCEPTED. District Support General. A meeting of the representatives of the Matamata and district school committees was held in the science room of the. Manual and Technical School at Matamata on Thursday, there being present: Messrs. E. C. Banks (Education Board), F. E. Lark (Matamata), A. M. A. Wright (Te Poi and Selwyn), J. Smith (Waharoa), A. Brookes (Okauia), C .Pond (Hinuera), J- E. West (Tiahoa), H; Rollett (Peria), J. Mockridge (Turanga-o-moana). Mr. F. E. Lark was appointed sec-

retary. Each member reported upon the reception the scheme had met with in their respective districts. Without exception almost the parents who had .children eligible to benefit by the Junior High School were in favour of' it. The question was raised as to the means of transport where the children now had to travel some miles to reach their present district schools. Mr. Banks pointed out definitely that the transport to the Junior High School would be to and from the various district schools, and not to and from the individual homes. There was reference to a very few cases in which the parents (mainly sharemilkers) might be unable to meet the cost. Mr. F. E. Lark pointed out that Matamata organisations, such as the Orphans' Club, would be willing to assist.

Mr. Banks said he had no fear on the score of the finance that might be required in such cases. The combined committee could run an annual function or two for the purpose of raising funds, and he felt sure that the whole district would rally rountf. Several members expressed appreciation of the evident desire'of Matamata people to assist if necessary; Mr. Brookes brought up the matter of indemnity in case of accident with the lorries, and Mr. Banks replied that he thought the Education Board undertook the liability in that respect The Minister's offer was £2IOO for building extensions, salaries of teachers, and 8d per pupil per day towards the Is required for travelling. The Education Board, on the representation of Mr. Banks, had agreed to find 2d, making a total of lOdJn-grants, leaving 2d per pupil per day for the parents. , .•

Mr. Mockridge moved, and Mr. Brooks seconded, a motion that the offer be accepted.—Carried unanimously.

Mr. Wright moved, and put to the meeting, a motion expressing appreciation of the help of Mr. Banks in securing the 2d grant from the Education Board.—Carried by acclamation.

Responding, Mr. Banks said he would do all in his power to expedite the erection of the building, plans of which had been approved. It was hoped to start the school in February, 1925.

MISS CINDERELLA WARDVILLE

Mention was made of the fact that Wardville was not represented, notwithstanding the fact that the people there were well disposed towards the scheme.

Mr. Banks said he had invited the Wardville chairman to be present at meetings at Matamata, but he had not even got a reply. He would go out and address a meeting at Wai'dville if desired.

OKAUIA HOT SPRINGS.

Favours the Scheme.

(Record Correspondent.) >'

A fairly representative meeting of householders was held in the school at Okauia on Tuesday, 25th, to consider the proposed establishment of a Junior High School at Matamata, and its effect locally and generally'.' Mr. Booker, chairman of the local school committee, presided, and in his opening remarks, outlined the proposal, and the result of the meeting recently held in Matamata, at which Hon. C. J. Pan- and the Director of Education were present.

The chairman asked for a free expression of opinion from parents, either for or against, and as result several orations followed. Several speakers emphasised the results that would naturally accrue from the establishment of such a school, and that the apparent gap that existed between the primary and secondary schools as at present would be bridged.

One speaker, and the only opponent, did not favour the scheme, on

the ground that it would rob him. of

help in the cow shed, and would either mean his reducing his herd, and consequently reducing pi'oduction, or employing outside labour, which would be a hardship. The question of transport was introduced, and the chairman mentioned arrangements as so far arranged. The Department's quota was 8d per head, also 2d from the Auckland Education Board, which was a little short of what the actual cost would probably be. In furtherance of this he also outlined an offer ■ he had had and read, which meant Is per head, and a stipulated minimum would be required, and which appeared to meet with general approval. The point of going beyond the school was mentioned, but nothing definite was decided on account of cost, but probably could be arranged if those directly concerned were prepared to •iieet extra cost of transport.

After a full and frank discussion the following resolution was moved by Mr. J. Jones and seconded by Mr. H. Sutherland: " That we householders of Okauia use our best to assist in having a Junior High School established." An amendment to have the matter deferred for 12 months lapsed for want of a seconder. , The motion was carried. A vote of thanks to theSohair terminated the meeting. v\