HIGH SCHOOL GOVERNORS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19717, 18 February 1926, Page 3

HIGH SCHOOL GOVERNORS.

Tha ordinary meeting of the High Schools’ Board of Governors was held yesterday, and was attended by Dr G. E. Thomson (chairman), Hon. D. T. Fleming, Mrs S. M. Park, and Messrs W. R. Brugh, T. K. Sidey, M.P., J. M. Callaway, H. Webb, J. C. Stephens, and H. L. Tapley, M.P. On the motion of Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., Dr G. E. Thomson was re-elected chairman of the board, and Mr J. hi. Gallaway was re-elected treasurer. COMMITTEES. The following committees were appointed, the chairman to act as an es officio member of all committees; — Works: Messrs Brugh, Sidey, Stephens, Tapley, Gallaway, and Fleming. Appointments: Mrs Park and Messrs Brugh, Stephens, and Webb. Finance: Messrs Gallaway,, Sidey, and Stephens, Mrs Park. Physical Training: Mrs Park and Messrs Brugh and Gallaway. Visiting: Mrs Park and Mr Webb. Rectory: Mrs Park and Messrs Brugh, Sidey, and Webb. Endowments; Hon. D. T. Fleming and Messrs Brugh, Gallaway, Stephens, and Sidey. FINANCE. The financial statement for the period from December 8 to February 15 showed an excess of receipts over payments of £BOI 0s 9d, and accounts amounting to £2224 Is lid were passed for payment. CORRESPONDENCE. Tha resignations of Miss Margaret R. Turnbull and Miss Florence M. Pinel were received and accepted. Leave of absence on full pay was granted Miss Annie M. Aitken. The matter of purchasing a vacuum cleaner for the Girls’ High School was left in the hands of Mrs Park and the secretary, with power to act. RECTOR’S REPORT. The monthly report of the Rector (Mr W. J. Morrell) stated that the total number of new pupils up to the present date was 248, besides one re-entry. The number being 240 last year, and 235 for the session of 1924. Of this total 239 were junior free place holders, including two who were applying for the grant of free places over age on the recommendation of the primary inspectors; 234 were now beginning their secondary course (including one who has attended a private secondary school for a year); and five were second-year pupils on transfer from other schools; three held senior free places, and seven were paying pupils,’ of whom three were now beginning their secondary course. The number of boys returning from last year (exclusive of one re-entry) was 432. The total roll was at present 681, against 646 on May 1, 1925. The numbers for March 1, 19221924, were respectively 585, 625, and 622. As a result of the rising numbers an additional master was required, and as it would have caused much difficulty and waste of trouble to reclassify several of the forms after a few weeks, temporary assistance was advertised for, and w'ith the chairman’s authority he had engaged Mr R. A. Fraser, of Otago University, who was willing to continue until the University classes began. The number of parents who failed to send in notices to return by the specified date was larger than usual, and caused much inconvenience. As soon as we had the necessary information steps were taken towards the setting up of the temporary class rooms authorised by the department at the end of last year. It is estimated that these will be ready in about two months. Meantime, the extra classes are being accommodated by use when necessary of the hall and gallery. These are, of course, not suited to permanent use for teaching purposes. He was pleased to welcome back this year the senior assistant master, Mr F. H. Campbell, after his voyage to the Old Country, and he had also to report that Mr James Thompson, M.A., who was lately appointed to the staff, took up duty on the opening day. The sympathy of the school was expressed with the family of Aleck Miller Duff, who met his death by an unfortunate accident at Outram last month; and also with the relatives of another comparatively young old boy who also met with a fatal accident during the holidays, Osgood Henry Gurr, who was well known as a hockey player. LADY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT. The Lady Principal (Miss M. H. King) reported that the school reopened on Monday, February 8, when new pupils were enrolled and parents interviewed. Last year’s pupils reassembled on Tuesday, and general school work began. The new enrolments were as follow:—From public primary schools, 161; from other primary schools, 15; making a total of 176. Senior free pupils 6, junior free pupils 169, paying pupils 1; total, 176. Of these one junior and one senior might not be entitled to a free place, and she had to put their cases before the Director of Education. The total roll number to date was; Senior free place 153, junior free place 314, paying pupils 1; total, 4CS. This did not include three who had intimated their intention to enrol, but who had not yet been present. ANNUAL EXAMINATION RESULTS. The Rector submitted the following summary of the results of the recent University and departmental examinations_ as affecting the school:—Only four candidates sat for the University entrance scholarship examination, all at their first trial. Of these W. A. Cowan, cur_ last year’s dux, gained the fifth junior University scholarship. The other three all obtained credit. The total number of candidates for examinations of all standards was 349. Of this number 236 were successful, including 86 boys exempted from the senior free place examination by the department on my recommendation, as countersigned by the inspectors, and sitting for no other examination; 29 obtained partial passes, including 10 who failed for public service or senior scholarships, and were awarded free places; 14 qualified for a third year of the junior free place; and 70 failed. general proportion of passes was 74 per cent, against 76 per cent, in 1925 and 73 per cent, in 1924. Taken as a whole, results may, in my opinion, be considered quite satisfactory.” The Lady Principal reported the following passes in the annual examinations connected with the school;—University scholarship; C. Tyndall (only candidate) secured credit. Matriculation; Approved candidates, 50; full pass 30, partial pass 11. Unapproved candidates, 20; full pass 6, partial pass 5. did not sit 2. Completion candidates, 122; passed 11. Senior national scholarship: Gained, 4. Junior national scholarship: Gained, 2. Public service entrance: Passed, 5.