HIGH SCHOOLS’ BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21264, 19 February 1931, Page 2

HIGH SCHOOLS’ BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Otago High Schools’ Board was held yesterday, and was attended by Mr J. C. Stephens (chairman), the Mayor (Mr R. S. Black), Mrs S. M. Bark, and Messrs J. J. Mallard, D. T. Fleming, M.L.C., Archdeacon Fitchett, and Hr Marshall Macdonald. Mr- W. H. Mason (Middlemarch) forwarded a petition signed by 18 tenants of the board, asking that the payment of their rents be postponed during the present financial crisis, and stating that Messrs J. Howell, A. M’Kinnon, and himself were deputed to attend the meeting of the board in support 'of the petition.— When the deputation was received the board went into committee, and before the retirement of the deputation the chairman stated that it would be necessary to communicate the matter to the Government. When a decision was arrived at the tenants would be advised. The ranger (Mr E. Atkinson) was instructed to inquire into the position and make a report to tiie board. A circular memorandum was received from the Education Department stating that the issue of free text books in necessitous cases would be continued until March 31, and that the grant for incidental expenses in cohnection with secondary schools would, as from January 1, 1931, be reduced from £2 10s to £2 per •head of roll number.—Noted.

A circular memorandum was received from the Director of Education in regard to a combined appeal to the school children of New Zealand for contributions towards the Earthquake Relief Fund. —The chairman stated that the Otago Education Board had approved of the request.—The letter was approved. A circular was received from the Education Department, stating that authority had been given to supply books and stationery free of cost to children who had come from the earthquake area and were in the meantime attending the schools under the board’s control.—Noted. A letter was received from the Education Department asking for the board’s remarks upon the suggestion of Sir ihornas Sidey that consideration should be given to the question of the suitability oi commencing the long summer holidays in i ebruary instead of in December ihe opinion was expressed that the proposal .was not a judicious one, and it was decided to send copies of the letter to the rector and the lady principal In connection with the diamond jubilee of fFe Girls High School, which was celebrated recently, the following resolution was adopted:—“That the board extends to the Otago Girls’ High School Diamond Jubilee Association its hearty congratulations upon the success of the functions connected with the diamond jubilee of the school and its warm appreciation of the work of all those who contributed to that success.” The members of last year’s committees were re-elected to act during the ensuing

The chairman made reference to the question of accommodation at the Boys’ High School, which, he said, was rapidly becoming acute. He thought they should inform the Education Department about it. Mr Mallard pointed out that the lease of the temporary classroom on the Town Belt would shortly expire, and it would be necessary to apply to the City Council for its renewal. —A decision was made accordingly. Accounts totalling £4565 12s 8d were passed for payment. RECTOR’S REPORT,

The rector (Mr W. J. Morrell) reported as follows: The school was reopened for the new session on Monday, February 2. The total number of new pupils up to the present date, including four re-entries, was By a curious coincidence, the number for this date had remained practically unchanged for four years (1930, 236; 1929, 237; 1928, 236). The entry for 1927 numbered 257, the largest on record. Of the new entries, 227 were holders of junior free places, seven seniors and two paying pupils. The number ot boys now beginning their secondary course was 216, against 231 in 1930, 214 in 1929, and 220 in 1928. The number of boys returning from last year was at present 532, the total roll thus amounting to 768. The figures for March 1, 192730, were respectively 703, 719, 739, and 717. On February 14, 1930, the total was 719. _lt was needless to say that the large increase was undoubtedly due to the present lack of employment, boys, who would in the ordinary course have left, having wisely been sent back by their parents to continue their education and give them wholesome occupation. The number of “returned” boys at the corresponding date last year was 483. The work of organising the school was naturally harder than usual, owing to so large an influx, but by the end of the first week the new classes had all settled down reasonably well, The new master appointed consequent upon Mr M'Naughton’s departure and Mr Fraser’s promotion (Mr D. G, Mawson, M.A.) reported for duty at the opening of the session. The renovation of the exterior of the school building during the holidays was naturally delayed a great deal by unfavourable weather, but was being completed with very little disturbance or inconvenience to school work, the contractors and workmen showing themselves to be very considerate. —The report was noted. LADY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT.

The lady principal (Mies M. H. M. King) reported that the enrolment of new pupils was as follows:—Junior free place, 153; senior free place, 3; paying pupil, 1; —total, 157. There were in addition notifications of two first-year pupils who would be late in arriving, making in all 159. The return of 1930 pupils was large, 329. The present roll number was as follows:—Senior free place, 150; junior free place, 334; paying pupil, 1; —total, 486. There was one more of last year’s pupils notified ns likely to return. The total number in sight was therefore 489—much the largest roll number since 1924. The work of the school was proceeding at present on last year's time table, slightly modified to suit the new conditions. —The report was noted.