HIGH SCHOOL INTERESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21224, 2 July 1932, Page 11

HIGH SCHOOL INTERESTS

OLD PUPILS AT WHANGAREI.

CRITICISM OF' CHANGES

explanation by principal,

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] WHANGAREI. Friday

Changes in the school uniform and badge were criticised by members of tho Whangarei High School Old Pupils' Association at the annual meeting last evening. The principal of the school, Mr. A. R. Rvder, later addressed tho gathering by request. The president of tho association, Mr. G. W. Footo, presided over a good attendance. " I think the time has arrived when tho association should havo direct representation on tho board of governors," said Mr. I"ootc, when referring to tho change:! made by the board in tho colour of tho school uniform and the shape of the school badge. "It will no doubt necessitate a special Act of Parliament," ho added, " but I propose that this association endeavours to obtain direct representation on tho board of governors " Mr. A. Bethell said the Minister of Education had been approached on two other occasions, and had replied he would deal with tho matter- generally and not with one school only. Suggested Changes on Board. The fact that tho Auckland Grammar School Board and tho Auckland Education Board each had two representatives on th(!i Whangarei igh School Board was mentioned, and the suggestion was made that those seats might bo given to one representative of the Old Pupils' Association and Ihres representatives of the parents. Mr. Footc's motion was carried unanimously. Strong exception to the intention of the board of governors to change the school badge was taken. A motion "that this association views with consternation the action of the board of governors in making a change in tho shape of the school badge, and requests tho board to reconsider its decision." was carried unanimously. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr. G. W. Foote; vice-presi-dents, Mr. D. W. Baird and Miss Lupton; secretary, Mr. W. Sargent; assistant secretary, Miss A. Mackay; treasurer, Mr. Ei. Collins; auditors, Messrs. R. C. Hosking and D. J. Thomson; three members of executive, Miss C. Piper, Messrs. L. Co tterill and 11. B. Brownrigg. Reasoc.s for Changes.

" I want you to know how much 1 value what this association has done for tho school, and I hope it will maintain that interest in th.?, school," said Mr. Ryder. " I wish also to pay a tribute to the fine work of the staff, and the examination results have been very gratifying. Ou my appointment to this position, I camo hero with certain ideals and I have kept these before me without any intention of offending the old pupils of the school. " With reference to the change in the school, colours, this was necessary, as the colours were already registered by another' school. In connection with the change in colour cif the school uniform, I gave this matter tho very greatest consideration beforei suggesting a change. It was with tho idea cf improving tho present badge that this change was also recommended by me. I have not come here, however, with any idea of pulling down what has been built up. " ] offer no apologies for any suggestions I have brought up, as I ha\e arrived at these opir.ions as the result of my own observations and discussions with the liorcmost educationists in the Dominion. I think when all the changes in uniform and badge have been made the old pupils wit. probably alter their views. I sincerely ask you to give mo even; possible support. lam not vciy well" known to most of you, and from various resolutions passed, I do not think your opinion o:E me is a very favoura lie one, but I want you all to know I am working wholeheartedly in the interest of the school." , , , . Mr. Ryder was heartily applauded for his speech.