Progress of Feilding’s Agricultural High School

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 267, 12 November 1945, Page 2

Progress of Feilding’s Agricultural High School

Some detaiis of the progress of the Feilding Agriculture High School were communicated to the Feilding Borough Council by Clr. H. J. Dewe at Thursday’s meeting of the council. He said that the headmaster of the school (Mr. L. J. Wild), had reported that Messrs J. Knight and W. W. Andrews, who had been appointed to the Board of Managers in 1921, representing local authorities, would continue to hold office. The financial and moral backing received from local bodies when the school was launched had meant much to its growth. When* the school opoued in 1922 there were 70 pupils, today there were 325. Steady if not spectacular progress had been made by the school, which could now be regarded as well established both in regard to finance and equipment and also in the public esteem. Be cause of advanced bookings accommodation was now full until 1948. In 1922 the school property comprised 20 acres; today 45 acres had been added to the original site and the freehold of 185 acres on Sandon and Halcombe Road acquired. The Government had found the cost of most of the additional land but would not have assisted had it not been for the initial impetus given by the counties. Reference to the service of Messrs H. Tolley, H. Booth, A. Campbell, J. J. Bryce, A. H. Atkinson, J. Knight and W. E. Barber, was made, Mr. Wild stating that the school would never forget their assistance. Of annual earnings, considerable sums had been spent on buildings and improvements to the farm. Of the reserve funds £4OOO had been invested in various war loans. The annual turnover had increased from £2OOO in 1922 to £25,000 in'l944. Commenting on the letter, the Mayor (Mr. T. L. Seddon) said the school ’» growth had been phenomonal and he emphasised the amount of money handled by the school and distributed to si substantial degree in the district. Clr. C. B. McClure intimated that the Minister of Education (Mr. Mason) would Ibe present at the official opening and dedication of the new library building this month and councillors were invited ; .to be present.