HIGH SCHOOLS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 220, 15 August 1928, Page 2

HIGH SCHOOLS

BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEET. The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North High Schools’ Board of Governors and the Technical School Committee was held, last evening; -Mr W. R. Birnie presiding. There were also present: Mrs Aitcheson, Messrs W. F.-Durward. W. T. Penny, T. R. Hodder, O. Monrad, M. H. Oram and AV. L. Fitzherbefit. An apology for .absence was received from Mr J. A. Nash, M.P. BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

The rector of the Boys’ High School, Mr J. Murray, M.A., reported that tho roll number was 331; the average attendance 310. Sickness, which had been prevalent throughout tho month, again adverselv affected the attendance. The ordinary routine of work had been proceeding. The whole school took part in the “Buy British Goods” essay competition, the winners being J. Allen and W. Birnie.

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL. The principal of the Girls’ High School, Miss Hodges, reported: “Inttuenza was responsible for most of the absence during the recent weeks. The department inspectors were at the school on August 3 and 6 to deal with higher leaving certificates, senior free place recommendations and the grading of teachers. In connection with tho senior free place awards, I think it would be fairer to all candidates if the 10s fee charged for the intermediate examination be dispensed with altogether. As the department seems unwilling to award senior free places without examination to more than pbout 70 per cent, of the eligible candidates, there are inevitably cases where pupils really merit senior free places by recommendation yet cannot be included in the percentage allowed. It does not seem quite fair that they should liavo to pay to be examined. The locating of a burst water-pipe in the quadrangle necessitated tho djsturbance of tho asphalted surface. I would suggest that when the broken parts aro being repaired the whole surface should be top-dressed.’

TECHNICAL SCHOOL. The director of the Technical School, Mr G. G. Hancox, reported that visits had been paid to tho evening classes as follow: Painters’ apprenticeship committee (July 31); head teachers of the primary schools (August 7). Tho Dominion secretary and representatives of the local branch of the Motor Garage Proprietors’ Association visited tho school on August 7. Tho contractor was now preparing to lay down the tenuis courts. The new workshops wero nearing completion, and.it was estimated that they would bo ready for occupation after tho holidays. The director suggested that the department should be asked to complete the match lining of the lobby wall; to extend to the roof the wall between tho lobby and tho carpenter s shop; and to put a ceiling over the instructors’ offices and the storeroom. Tho boiler house was almost finished and most of tho pipes and some of tho radiators were already in position; the contractors should have the system completed in readiness for next term. Approval was given for the following appointments to tho part time staff of the Technical School: Motor theory, Mr Andrew Bonner; oxy-ace-tone welding, Mr D, F. ■ Macalister. Approval was also given to the suggestion to place an _electric light in the nearly finished boiler house.