HIGH SCHOOLS’ BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19107, 28 February 1924, Page 3

HIGH SCHOOLS’ BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Board of Governors of the Otago Boys’ and High Schools was held yesterday afternoon, when there were present Dr G. E. Thompson (chairman), Messrs T. K. Sidey, M.P., J. M. Gallaway, H. Webb, W. R. Brugh, and the Hon. D. T. Fleming. The Education Board notified the appointment of the Hon. D. T. Fleming and Mr W. B. Brugh, and the University Council the appointment of Dr G. E. Thompson and Mr T. K. Sidey as members of the board for the ensuing year. On the motion of Mr Gallaway, the chairman was unanimously rc-elected, and Mr Gallaway was re-elected treasurer. Committees were set up for the ensuing year. FINANCE. The financial statement showed receipts since January 25 totalling .£2511 7s, and an excess of rcc-Ipts over payments of £906 7s 2d. Accounts amounting to £2155 133 Gd were passed for payment, leaving a total debit balance of £6238 Ss 4d. RECTOR’S REPORT. The Rector, Mr W. J. Morrell, submitted the following report on the opening of the session:—l have to report that the school reopened for the new session on Monday, February 4, parents having also been seen as usual on the previous Friday. The total number of new pupils up to "date is 232, practically the same as for two years past (230 at the corresponding time last year and 232 in 1922). Of these 216 are junior free pupils, 211 now beginning their secondary course, and five on transfer from other schools; seven hold senior free places, seven are paying pupils, and two are applying for junior free places on the recommendation of the primary inspectors. The number of boys returning was 394, of whom on© has already left to take up employment, and there is one re-entry. The total roll is at present 626, against 625 on March 1, 1923. This includes one senior and one junior who have not yet actually returned, owing to illness. The requirement of previous notice from former pupils returning and new boys entering the school again proved of much advantage. Although a few parents failed to send the notice of return, and a few new boys appeared without previous application, it was possible to forecast the numbers of the school closely enough to make many arrangements in advance and to sec that no further accommodation would bo needed this year. As the school is pressing so closely on its limits in this respect, it will again be necessary to exact notice for the session of 1924, the more as some increase may bo expected in the natural course, and I would recommend i accordingly. The new masters appointed for this session, Messrs J. E. Kinnear. 8.A., R. W. Souter, M.A., and K. A. Allen, reported themselves for duty on February 1. I have pleasure in informing the board that all these gentlemen give .promise of being useful acquisitions to the school staff. LADY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT. , Miss M. H. M. King, lady principal Otago Girls’ High School, reported for the month of February, 1924:—The school re opened for enrolment of new pupils on Friday and Monday, February 1 and 4. Old pupils resumed on Tuesday, February 5. The 1 total enrolment of new pupils to date is 194. The roll number to date is as follows;—Senior free place, 174; junior free place, 318; paying fees, 12. The totals for the past four years are as follows: February 1924, 504; February 1923, 452; February 1922, 452; February 1921, 394. The number taking commercial work is 107, and the number taking typewriting 100. In the absence of Miss Gellatly, and pending appointment of a successor to Miss Kennedy, Misses Turnbull and Oswin are acting as relieving teachers. Miss M’Leod has resumed her duties. The Chairman said there was an increase of 23 at the Girls’ High School, and he. suggested that the lady principal be asked to report on lier accommodation. If the Boys’ School increased by four more they were entitled to another master, and if the Girls’ School increased by five more they would be entitled to another mistress. The reports were received, and the chairman’s suggestion approved. GENERAL. Mr R. de R. Worker applied for leave of absence from February 28 to March 4 (inclusive) to enable him to play in the cricket match New Zealand v. New South Wales. — The rector recommended that the leave be granted.—lt was decided to grant the application, and that if Mr Worker is selected for the next match similar leave of absence ho granted him, provided that he finds a suitable relieving teacher. The Secretary reported that no applications had been received for the Gray Russell scholarship. Accrued interest amounting to £l2O was available for investment. The matter was referred to a committee to report.