OTAGO HIGH SCHOOLS BOARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19617, 22 October 1925, Page 5

OTAGO HIGH SCHOOLS BOARD

MEETING OF GOVERNORS. The monthly meeting of tho Governors of tho Otago High Schools Board was held yesterday afternoon, and was attended by Dr G. E. Thompson (chairman), Mrs S'. M. Bark, the Hon. 15. T. Fleming. M.L(and Messrs J. M. Gallaway and IT. Webb. Apologies for absence were received from Mr .1. C. Stephens and Mr T. K. Sidc-y. RECTOR’S REBORT. Mr W. .T. Morrell, rector of the Otago Boys’ High School, reported under date October 16 that tho total number of boys now upon the school roll was 614, of whom 195 were seniors, 395 juniors, and 23 paying pupils. The corresponding totals for October, 1920-24. were respectively 454, 509. 549, 551, and 571. A. work day was hold by the boys of tho school on September 19 in aid of the European Students’ Relief Fund. The boys again entered into the scheme with enthusiasm, and its a result the sum of £55 was forwarded to the Dominion treasurer. I>r H. D. Broadhoad, of Christchurch. Ho had to thank Mr J. O. M'Caw, of Knox College, for giving a preliminary address at the school, and parents and friends of the school generally for their warm support. Owing mainly to the. great interruption of our swimming classes (his year, it was decided not to hold the usual swimming snorts, but the school championships, senior and junior, together with a diving competition, were held at the Municipal Baths on October 9. Tho junior championship was won by R. J. D. Wilson, after an unusually 7 keen contest. The result of the senior championship was snocially notable. Tho school records for all three events had last year been broken by S. A. Fogg. This year, after a really good struggle, the record for each event was again broken by (1. J. E. M‘Eean. Fogg this time coming second. Both are swimmers of great promise. The school was visited on October 12 and 13 by Messrs E. ,T. Barr and H. B. Kjdson. inspectors of secondary schools, largely with the object of settling recommendations for senior free places and for leaving certificates. A? a result of this visit 125 boys were accepted far the award of a senior free place, without examination, ns from the beginning of next year, and 39 for higher leaving certificates, conditional in each case on the conduct, attendance, and progress of the pupils remaining satisfactory till the end of tho session.—Adopted. RADY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT.

The Lady Principal of the Girls’ High School (Miss M. 11. M. King) reported under date October 16 as follows: —The roll number showed an average attendance of 441. ' Tho annual seven-a-side interform hockey tournament was held on October 7. The swimming classes had resumed, the beginners’ class, under Mr Northcy. at tho Boys’ High School on Wednesday, and the senior class at the Municipal Baths on Tuesday. The annua! Net Ball Club social was hold in the School Hall on September 17. On October 8 and 9 the Secondary School inspectors visited the school for tho purpose of examining candidates for the senior free place. Ninetysix recommendations were confirmed. Fortyfive candidates, of whom 12 arc eligible for metension of junior free places were requested to sit for tho intermediate examination. —Adopted. FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The Finance Committee reported that it had now received from' the rector and lady principal their proposals regarding the establishment and maintenance of reference libraries at the schools. The committee recommended (1) that an expenditure of £230 lie authorised for the purchase of hooks for the Girls’ High School, and also an annual expenditure of £25 for upkeep. (2) that the question of a library for the Boys’ School he held over pending the provision of suitable accommodation. The rector did not regard the establishment of a library as practicable unless and until there was a suitable room available for the purpose. This, he said, would only be by provision in any new building. The committee considered tho report, of the reel or regarding the proposal to install a new boiler in the swimming baths, and. while ia sympathy with Mr Northey’s application, the committee thought with tho reel or (hat, as it was quite possible that within the next few years the whole baths building, except, the actual bathing basin, might need reconstruction or remodelling, it would be wise not to spend more than could bo helped in (he meantime. It therefore did not recommend the installation of a new boiler at present. The Committee had requested the chairman to confer with (he lady principal regarding the suggestion that arrangements should bo made for the girls' swimming classes to be conducted at the V.M.C.A. or Municipal Baths. It had been aseeidaitie 1 (hat the Y.M.C.A. baths would be available, but. owing to the large number of other schools receiving instruction at. Die Municipal baths, Ihe custodian is unable to say at present whether provision could be made (here for the Girls' High School beginners’ class. The Chairman would report direct to tho board the result of his conference with the lady principal. The committee had considered the department’s letter of .July .10 regarding expenditure out of endowment income on school furniture and equipment, and s(jw no alternative to the acceptance of the department's ruling. With reference to the department's letter of September 11 the committee anticipated no difficulty in arranging for a loan of £IO,OOO or £12,000 from the Bank of New Zealand for the erection of buildings, but was unable to recommend the board to accept responsibility for the cost, of furniture. It. recommended that the department be asked to say from what, source it expected the board to provide for this cxjieu (lit u re.—Received. WORKS COMMITTEE’S REBORT. The Works Committee reported having received from Messrs Mandeno and Fraser, architects, a report on the question of strengthening and if possible arresting the movement at the Science Building at the Boys’ High School. 'They had ma/le proposals which, if carried out. they estimated would cost £OOO-£7OO. It. recommended that a copy of (heir report be submitted to tho District Engineer, Public Works Department, for his comments, and that, upon receipt, of his reply, it be empowered to submit the matter to the Education Department for its decision ami instructions. The committee had been unable for various reasons to meet Mr Tannock regarding proposed improvements to the Littlobourne recreation ground, but. would arrange to meet him on tho ground at tho earliest opportunity.—Receh cd. CORRESPONDENCE.' Mr B. W. Shacklock wrote intimating (hat he had a small case of various curios which might form a nucleus of a museum at Ihe Girls' High School. There wore also some eight frame I photographs of New Zealand scenery, which would adorn the walls of the school. lie would be pleased to present, these to the board.--It was decided to accept tho offer with thanks. A copy of Mr Frank Tate's report on post-primary education in New Zealand was forwarded to (ho Appointments Committee, lady principal, and the rector for report. FINANCE. The credit balance at the bank in the board s account was shown to bo £I3OO 2s lid.