GREATER ENROLMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22346, 18 February 1936, Page 14

GREATER ENROLMENTS

SEDDON MEMORIAL COLLEGE GRANT FOR ADDITIONAL ROOMS An increase in the enrolments at the Seddon Memorial Technical College this vear, resulting in a record number of 1514 pupils on February 12, was reported by the principal, Mr. G. J. Park, at*a meeting of the board of managers of the college yesterday. He said that March 1 was the date fixed for taking the official count to determine the staff. The roll number could not be announced definitely at the moment, because Bome pupils who had enrolled had not taken their places, ajid others would join. There were 1373 pupils on the roll on March 1, 1935, co that the increase so far this year was about 130, the report continued. This was a remarkable growth, and, so far as numbers indicated public appreciation of the work being done by the staff and confidence in the institution, the board had every reason to feel proud of the results of its administration of the college affairs in recent years. In 1930, the roll number was 1123; in 1932, 1173; in 1934, 1328, and in .1935, 1373. The total for 1926 was 800. " There has been great pressure on the accommodation available, and it appeared likely that I would have to arrange for rooms elsewhere," the report continued. A favourable reply was received, however, to the board's application to the Minister of Education for a grant to provide an additional floor on the workshop block and the board's architect had been instructed to complete plans and specifications and call for tenders. It was hoped that the rooms would be in use in the second term.

A letter from the acting-Director of Education, Mr. W. S. Latrobe, stated that the work would cost £3622, of which the board's share would be £BOS. Mr. Park mentioned that the £BOS represented the cost of the gymnasium to be included. . The finance committee will report on the tenders to the next meeting of the board.