A BOARDING SCHOOL FOR PALMERSTON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8711, 27 October 1908, Page 5

A BOARDING SCHOOL FOR PALMERSTON.

FORWARD MOVE BY THE HIGH

SCHOOL BOARD

It is not merely because. of Palmerston's centrality that the High School has made such.rapid strides. It is mainly because the school is controlled by a man whose whole soul and energy are directed towards its advancement. The-' rector, Mr J. E. Vernon, M.A., has a great faith in the future of the Palmers ton High School, and he is doing his utmost to realise his faith. At last night's meeting of the Board Mr Vernon laid before the Governors the plans for th© new boarding establishment for boys which is being erected under his supervision as an adjunct to the Palmerston High School. It is well-known that already there are a number of boarders under Mr Ver-. non's charge, but it has long been recognised that an up-to-date building was required which would be capable of fully meeting the requirements of the important school. Mr Vernon explained that the building would be capable of comfortably accommodating twenty boys. It ' was to be fitted up on the most up-to-date lines. Upstairs there would be jtwo large dormitories, a housemaster's bedroom, prefect's bedroom, and a special bedroom, besides a spacious bathroom .fitted with hot and cold plunge and shower baths. Downstairs there would be the dining-room, preparation room, teachers' room, and lavatory and bathroom. The downstairs bathroom would be supplied with a concrete floor, and was specially designed for athletes. The rooms are splendidly arranged, and will make an ideal boarding school. The building is to be erected at the rear of Mr Vernon's residence, and will have its frontage to North Street.

The plans met with the hearty approval of the members of the Board. The building is to be proceeded with immediately, and it is hoped that by the time the summer vacation is over the new boarding school will be ready for its youthful occupants. A NEW SCHOLARSHIP. Mr Vernon also brought up a scheme for granting a scholarship in connection with the boarding school. His suggestion was that a free place (both board and education) be offered for competition among boys of the primary schools who had gained their proficiency certificates—scholars living within a radius of 45 miles and outside a radius of 5 miles of Palmerston' to be eligible to compete. The value of. the scholarship was £49. The suggestion was well received by the members of the Board, and it was decided that the chairman and the Rector be a committee to arrange details of the scholarship and make necessary, arrangements.