JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL.

Northern Advocate, 27 August 1924, Page 4

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL.

FOR VVI iAN (; ARE!

■'■ >M MO Li A I'H'A QUESTION,

Al last nigii< '•* • 'eting of the Bonr.l of Govei"."-- the Whangarei High School was received from the secretary of the Auckland Education Boar.! in the effect that the Minist-r of Edu.-ution had given general approval to i:l;e proposal to establish a Junior 11;-h at Wh:tngarci. The Education Department wished to be informed concerning the number of pupils <;>>' Standards V. and VI. who would, in February next, enter a junior high school from each of the Whangarei schools, and as to the extent of existing accommodation, or what accommodation would need to be provided. The secretary of the Auckland Board stated, for the information of the Whangarei High School Board, that the number of pupils who would probably enter a junior high school in February next was approximately 270, and he asked if accommodation for that number would be available. At the present time there were 118 pupils in Standard VI. in the various Whangarei schools, and probably a majority i of these would qualify for free places at the ordinary High School.

The chairman, Mr W. A. Carrutn, said that a reply had been sent to the Board stating that approximately 120 girls and 125 boys would be available for the Junior High School in February next and that by a re-arrangement of the accommodation at the present High School, together with the addition of three or four rooms to the proposed new Boys' High School on Weaver's site, there would be sufficient room for their present needs.

Mr F. Higginson said that until the new Boys' High School building was finished temporary accommodation would have to be found for the pupils of the proposed Junior Higli School, and this to his mind was starting under adverse circumstances and not desirable. Mr J. D. McKenzie: "What floor space per pupil is to be allowed?" The chairman: "The same allowance as obtains in the primary schools, ten or twelve feet." Mr H. W. Crawford said that the chance to establish a junior high school at Whangarei was too good to lose, and that every effort should be made to obtain temporary accommodation. No stone should be left unturned. Surely there were buildings available that could be made use of. Mr R. C. M. Harington claimed that the technical education part of the junior high school tuition was paramount, and at present they had not that facility. He considered that as matters stood at present they would be setting up a junior high school under adverse conditions. Mr McKenzie remarked that if they secured temporary accommodation the Government would be forced to 'find the necessary technical facilities. He moved that a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Crawford and Harington, be set up to make inquiries as to what temporary accommodation was available and report to the next meeting. The proposal was seconded by Mr Crawford and carried.