HIGH SCHOOLS’ GOVERNORS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20334, 16 February 1928, Page 2

HIGH SCHOOLS’ GOVERNORS.

MONTHEY BOARD MEETING. The monthly meeting of the tago High Schools’ Board of Governors was held yesterday afternoon, there being present Dr Thompson (in the chair), Mrs Park, Messrs J. M. Gallaway, J. J. Mallard, W. R. Brugh, and D. T. Fleming. GENERAL, The accounts passed for payment amounted to £4IBB. This included £1686 for salaries. Dr Thompson was re-elected chairman and Mr Mallard appointed treasurer. There being no change in the personnel of the board, the same committees were appointed. The Secretary reported that provision had now been made in the regulations regarding incidental expenses of secondary schools, which permitted the expenditure of an amount approved by the Minister in connection with school breaking-up ceremonies; also that the regulation relating to the length . f the school year had been amended by reducing the number of half-days on which secondary schools must be open during the year from 385 .o 380.—Received. RECTOR’S REPORT. The monthly report by the rector contained the .following:—“ I have to report that the school reopened for the new session on Monday, February 6. The total number of new pupils up to the present date is 236, against 257 at the corresponding date last year, and 248 in 1926. Oi this total 223 ar" holders of junior free places; nine hold senior free places; and four,, two juniors and two seniors, are paying pupils. The number of boys now beginning their secondary course is 220. The number of boys returning from last year was considerably larger than was anticipated, and more than compensated for the diminution in the entry of new boys. It now stands at 481, against 451 at the corresponding period last year. The total roll is thus 717, against 7C3 on March 1, 1927. The numbers for March 1, 1924-6 were respectively 622, 646, and 680. It is matter for gratification that the increase was not larger, as we could ill-manage to accommodate another class. The position next year will probably be difficult. An old boy of the school, Mr Geoi’ge Craig, Secretary of Customs, was awarded the C.M.G. among bis Majesty s list of New Year honours. He has our hearty congratulations on this wellearned distinction.—Mr Gallaway, in referring to the falling, off in pupils, expressed the opinion that the effects of the war and the falling off in the birthrate were now being felt. He thought they were sending out far too many girls into commercial life.—The report was received. LADY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT. The Lady Principal reported:—The school opened for the enrolment of new pupils .on February 6, 1928, last year’s pupils returning next day. The enrolment of new pupils is smaller than at any time during the last five years, for which there may be various reasons, In addition to the usual fluctuations of school numbers: hard times, unemployment, or financial stringency; lack of openings in the teaching profession; general difficulty of placing girls in callings for which a high school education is desirable; reduction of first-year commercial course. The board’s proposal to discontinue shorthand and typing in - the first year has been commented on a good deal. So far as I know, the reinstatement of shorthand has not been published in the newspapers, and there was—and probably still is—a general impression that the first-year commercial girls are deprived of both subjects. The. total on the roll was 455; and the number of 1927 pupils who had returned 298. Continuing, the report said: “The regular work of the school began on Wednesday, February 8. Miss Sutton has taken up her duties, and all other members of the staff returned to them apparently in health and vigour.”—Received. ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS. The Lady Principal reported that the examination results were as follow: — University National Scholarship, 1; credit ou scholarship examination, ,5; matriculation passed, 37; matriculation, tailed, 37; Public Service passed, 8; Public Service, failed, 8; Senior National Scholarships gained, 4; and Junior National Scholarships gained, 2. Candidates for the November-December examinations were in many cases at a disadvantage owing to influenza, and two candidates for matriculation were unable to sit at all. —The board noted with , pleasure the successful result of the examinations. CORRESPONDENCE. The Education Department wrote stating that a grant of £6l had been approved towards the cost of a permanent science apparatus for the Boys’ School. —Received. The department wrote further stating that a subsidy of £SO towards the purchase of a motor lawn mower for the Boys’ School ground had been approved. —Received.