“WELCOME!”

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3599, 3 April 1924, Page 4

“WELCOME!”

NSW TECHNICAL SCHOOL DIRETOR MB G. G. HANCOX TAKES OVER The new Director of the Palmerston North Technical School, Mr G. G. Hancox, M.A., B.Sn., who took over the reins of office on Monday, was welcomed over the banquet tables at the school last evening by a gathering of about forty of both sexes —officials of the institution and those connected with it. Mr A. J. Newman, acting director prior to the appointment of Mr Hancox, presided. Following supper, the chairman, in addressing the gathering, paid a warm tribute to the new directior. What little he had seen of Mr Hancox, he had observed in him many of those sterling qualities which made for the capable directorship of such an institution! as the Technical School. Although the school had made great progress during past years, there was still room for development in a number of ways, and apart from the work of Mr Hancox, it was “ up to ” Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., to approach the Minister for Education with a view to securing a sum of money for a now institution in Grey Street. “ Carrying on with the present building is a waste of money,” he said, “ It ought to be sold, and the resultant money devoted, towards a new school.”

A PROUD HISTORY. Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., chairman of the High School Board of Governors, referred to the sad passing of the late director, Mr P. D. Opio, and the gloom his demise cast over the institution. Nobody cun forget the groat work the deceased gentleman had done towards the development of the school during his long term of office. He had then to congratulate Mr Newman and the staff on the very able work they had put in when the school was temporarily without a director. Ho believed Mr Hancox had very great op. portunities in the school, which possessed a record to. bo proud of, and a future of certain progress. The Board of Governors had made no mistake in placing Mr Hancox in control, and the speaker felt certain that with the co.operation of tho staff the new director would bring tho very best out of tho school. AN INADEQUATE BUILDING.

In regard to tho Grey Street site, Mr Nash said that Mr Newman had raised a point when he stated that the continuance of activities in the present school meant a waste of money. The speaker heartily agreed that a new building was but the question of the necessary money for a new building was another matter. A lot of money had been spent on the present building, which was an. other case of an early erection destined to prove inadequate for its subsequent activities. It only went to show how much depended upon the precautionary measure of building such an institution upon ground sufficiently large to provide for development and extension. In conclusion the speaker expressed the hope that the tlune would not be far distant when Mr Hancox womd no longer have to divide his attentions between the school and the Boys’ High School, but would bo able to take aver the work at the Technical School in its entirety. The hearty co.operation of the (High SahooUf Bc/ard of Governor* was assured.

SCHOOL’S FINE STATUS, In opening his remarks, Mr T. K. Hodder traced the history of the scnaol and its expansion and development under the directorship of the late Mr F. D. Opie. Tho excellent work of Mr Newman and the staff was also made the subject! of eulogistic remarks. The speaker stated that the Board of Governors was quite satisfied that iti had secured tho best man for the position of director, and he was sure that Mr Hancox would fulfil every expectation in his work for a school where there were vast avenues for development. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION ENCOURAGED.

Mr W. F. Durward added a word of welcome, assuring Mr Hancox that he had the strong backing of the Board of Governors in any project he put forward. At present, said the speaker, there was a tendency on the part of the Education Board to offer encouragement to technical school education, and he assured the chairman that tho opportunity would not be allowed to pass. Reference was made to the policy of the school, which owed much of its progress to the voluntary system employed, and the rejection of tho Compulsory Act.

Several other speakers added their tributes to the guest of tho evening. GREAT WORK TO BE DONE.

“ When I was appointed to the position of director I felt very keenly the responsibility that lay Before me,” .aid Mr Hencox, in reply. ‘‘And when I looked round and became more conscious of the great work my predecessor had done, I felt my responsibility more keenly still.” After voic. ing his appreciation of the work of Mr Newman, he thanked the gathering for affording him the opportunity of meeting them ad, and gave his assurance that he would do his best to follow in the footsteps of the late Mr upie. Following on the strains of “ For They are Jolly Good Fellows/’ the health of Mr and Mrs Hancox was then drunk, a like tribute also paid Mr Newman, and to the committee of ladies under —ss J. Young.