SCHOOLS VISITED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 305, 23 November 1932, Page 8

SCHOOLS VISITED

EDUCATION BOARD’S NEAV CHAIRMAN. MET BY COMMITTEES. Mr E. I’. Hemmingway, the new chairman of the Wanganui Education Board, took the opportunity, to-day, to pay a visit of inspection to the Palmerston North primary schools, it being that gentleman’s first official visit in his new capacity. Accompanying the chairman were Air W. H. Swanger, secretary, and Air E. R. Hodge, architect to the board, while on arrival in Palmerston North the party were met by Colonel J. H. Whyte, a member of the Wanganui Education Board, who accompanied them on the tour. Tho West End School was first visited and here they were met by Air H. W. Jackson (headmaster), Mr A. Penketh (chairman), Air A. Beattie (member) and Mr G. K. Hollier (secretary) of the School Committee. The school grounds and. buildings presented a pleasing picture, everything being in splendid order. Under the direction or the headmaster, the interior of the school was first inspected. By reason of the fact that the proficiency examinations will be in progress at the school to-morrow, when it is customary for the pupils other than those sitting for the examination to be granted a holiday, Air Hemingway was able to take it upon himself to announce the holiday. Reference was also made to tho close approach of the festive season, and Air Hemingway wished each class in turn a merry Christmas and a happy New Year and a pleasant and benencial holiday during tho vacation which awaited the children.' The grounds were then inspected under tlie direction of Mr Hotuer, kvho tendered one or two minor requests in respect to fencing. At the present tune the School Oonimittee has an area sown in potatoes, and it is tho intention to devote any piuceeds tlierefrom towards the cost of carrying out further improvements in the other portion of the grounds in respect to levelling, etc. The baths and tennis courts were also inspected, the visitors expressing appreciation of all that the committee was doing in the interests of the children and, indirectly, for the Education Board itself.

Something in the nature of a contrast was forthcoming on the party proceeding to College Street, for, from a modern structure at’ the jumping-off point, they arrived at a wooden building approaching its 40th year of usefulness. Here they were met by Air W. A. Swinbourne (headmaster), and Air E. Persson (secretary of the committee). The main school, both inside and out, was inspected and although he did not make any statement on the matter, Air Hemingway commented on the age and condition of the building. The more modern infant school on the opposite side of the thoroughfare was next visited, and improvements carried out in the playing area inspected. AFTERNOON’S PROGRAAIAIE. The tour of inspection was resumed after lunch when the Central, Terrace End and Hokowhitu Schools were paid similar visits, while Air Hemingway also attended the official opening of the new baths at the last named school.