HIGH SCHOOLS’ GOVERNORS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3889, 25 September 1928, Page 67

HIGH SCHOOLS’ GOVERNORS.

MEETING OF BOARD. The monthly meeting of the High Schools’ Board of Governors was held on Wednesday, Dr G. E: Thomson presiding. Others present were Messrs J. J. Mallard, J. M. Galloway, D. T. Fleming, W. R. Brngh, and Mrs S. M. Park. In connection with the new boys’ high school at South Dunedin, the Minister of Education (Mr R. A. Wright) advised the board that he was not in a position to make any definite statement in the meantime, as he had only just received the report of the de■partmental officers on the matter. Some of the points of the report were of a very far-reaching nature, and could not be dispesed of in a hurry. However, Cabinet s decisions would be communicated to the board without delay. Speaking of the proposal, the Minister said he understood from his officers tjiat it would not be anything like two years before the new school could be made ready for occupation.

The resignation of the janitor of the Girls High School (Mr O. E. Briggs) was acepted with regret, and it was decided to send Mr Briggs a letter of appreciation for the excellent manner in which his duties had been discharged at all times. The principal of the Girls’ High School was authorised to hold an entertainment in Burns Hall to raise funds for the school prize fund. Accounts amounting to £1903 IGs 9d were passed for payment, and the total credit balance at the bank was stated to be £9230 Is Bd. The rector of the Boys’ High School wrote asking the sanction and authority of the board for the institution of a consolidated fee or charge for games, school magazine, etc., which shall in 1929 and thereafter be collected from all boys attending the school. The amount proposed, after very careful consideration, was 10s 6d per annum, 3s Gd to be collected each term. The proposed charge would cover Rugby and Association football, hockey, cricket, fives* boxing. Field Club, Swimming Club and swimming .sports, athletic sports entries, and magazine. Such a consolidated charge already existed in all other large schools, and, caking everything into consideration, the proposed charge was lower than in the other schools.—The board gave its consent to the rector’s proposal. The monthly report of the rector (Mr W. J. Morrell) stated:— I have to report that the school reassembled on September 10. The total number of boys now upon the roll of 682, of whom 210 are seniors, 449 juniors, and 23 paying pupils. The corresponding totals for September, 1923-27 are respectively 557, 575, 624, 626, and 651. On August 17, the last day of the second term, we had the pleasure of a visit from Professor E. R_. Arthur, of the University of Toronto, an old boy of the school. Professor Arthur gave a brief address on Canadian life, which was much appreciated by all. I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to those friends of the school who helped in entertaining the visitors for the recent football tournament; to the president and executive of the Old Boys’. Society who undertook the heavy work involved in organising the tournament and functions in connection therewith; and to the Otago Rugby Union for their assistance. Miss King’s report stated':—School was resumed on September 10, the roll being as follows : —S.F.P., 125 ; J.F.P.. 301; P.P., 5; total, 431. The figures for previous years were:—l927, 452; 1926. 460; 1925, 474; 1924, 491; 1923, 457; 1922, 447. Withdrawals (4) were as follows:—Transfer to Waimate, 1, studying music, 1; home circumstances, 1; entering office, I.— In the hockey and basketball matches wi,th Ashburton at the end of’ last term the school was successful. The annual interform seven-a-side hockey tournament will be held, weather permitting, on Friday, the 14th inst.