Feilding Agricultural High School

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6627, 14 August 1931, Page 2

Feilding Agricultural High School

BOARD OF MANAGERS’ MEETING

Tho Board of Manag.ars of tho Feilding Agricultural High School met on Wednesday evening, Mr. J. Knight (act-ing-chairman) presiding. There were also present Messrs. A. H. Atkinson, II Mclntyre, A. Williamson, A. C. Buist and L. J. Wild (principal), and Mrs. J. E. Barltrop. A letter was received from tho Board of Managers of the Rotorua High School, requesting particulars as to the agricultural course of instruction at the Feilding High School, and it was left to Mr. Wild to forward the necessary information. In TCply to a letter sent by Mr. Wild, the Education Department wrote stating that owing to tho financial position of the country it would not be possible to grant any subsidy on tho £2B voluntary contributions made to the school during the past year. A voto of thanks, carried .by acclamation, was accorded Mr. Knight for his donation of £25 to complete the purchase price of the farm land recently acquired by the school. It was stated by Mr. Buist that tho price was £3025, and the authority was for an expenditure limited to £3OOO, Mr. Knight generously finding tho balance. In acknowledging the vote of thanks Mr. Knight said he felt that if early action had not been taken the Government grant might have been withdrawn and the school would have lost an opportunity to acquire the farm land urgently desired. Principal’s Report The principal reported as follows: “The most interesting event since last meeting was commemoration. The service was held on July 26 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, which was scarcely large enough for tho congregation. It is specially noteworthy that over 106 old pupils attended, thus demonstrating that the significance of this part of commemoration is appreciated by past as well as present pupils. The address on the Wednesday was delivered by Dr. E. Marsden, permanent head of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, his subjoct being “Pioneers in Science in New Zealand.” Although the dining hall was taken for the purpose, the space was inadequate and many old pupils were unable to get in. Tho need for an assembly hall is obvious. The weather was fine and all the afternoon functions went through successfully, but unfortunately the dining hall was quite incapable of accommodating the largo number of old pupils who wished to be present at the tea, and although about 200 found room about 30 were unable to get in. A pleasing feature was a very fine message sent from Wellington and signed by 36 old pupils resident in that city. I need hardly emphasise the fact that the great loyalty of old pupils to the school and to their own association is an inspiration to “those who teach and those who are taught' ’ in the school today, and the day set apart for commemoration is a day well spent. During this term the inter-house debating championships have been, decided by a series of debates and elocutionary contests. The standard this year has improved considerably as compared with that of the last year or two. The championship on the girls’ side has been won by Oroua House, which has been led by V. Whisker, and that on tho boys’ side by Manawatu House, the captain of which is W. Wah. The football championship this year resulted in a tie; of tho five games played, each house won one and three were drawn. The basketball and hockey championships aie not yet determined. The football team is at present in Hawera for the annual match with the high school there, vfhile next week we receive a visit from tho Stratford team. The girls' teams for basketball and hockey will also be playing the High and Technical Schools at Palmerston North. I have to record the thank? of the school to Mr. Seddon and to Mr. Noel Fitzpatrick for gifts of gramophone records and of the National Geographic Magazine. The constant interest of these gentlemen is much appreciated.” Farm Report

“The weather has been excessively wet and cultural work has been out of the question, though we were able to make a start last week with skimploughing lea land intended for swedes and mangolds this year. A good start has been made with the scheme for draining the new land and about 60 chains will shortly be finished, which is as much as we can afford this year. With the help of the No. 5 unemployment scheme w© have been able to make good progress with an overhaul of the fences, and the men we have had have done excellent work, and work that is definitely needed and definitely productive. In . connection with the fencing provision is being made for numerous plantations. Trees are available that have been grown by Dr. Malcolm’s classes, and planting out will be done this spring. Despite the wet weather, lambing is going ahead without undue loss, and wo have been entirely free from the trouble known as ‘sleepy sickness,' which is said to be very prevalent in the district this year. A start has been made with a new piggery in concrete. At present our accommodation is inadequate and we are unable to supply the demand there is for purebred pigs. I have pleasure in recording a gift of 301 b. of dogstail seed from Mr. D. W. Reid.”