THE GISBORNE HIGH SCHOOL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16112, 28 April 1923, Page 2

THE GISBORNE HIGH SCHOOL.

The monthly meeting of the Gisborne High School * Board of Governors was held yesterday. Present : Messrs K- 11 ■■ Alann (chairman), G. Wildish, J. 1L Kirk, H. K. Bright, J. Kinder, R. Robertson, and F. Foote (rector). Referring to the cost of painting the Girls’ Hostel the Department wrote in reply to the Board, reiterating that the Department could not see its way to finance the work, since the Department had provided the capital cost of the building. A copy of a letter sent by the chairman to the Department, recalling a conversation with a head official, in which it was agreed that the building, eight years old, required painting and asking whether the Department, could suggest a way out, since the revenue from the hostel could not provide the cost of the painting, was, read. The chairman pointed out that it would be very awkward to find the money, an amount, of £6O.

The chairman reported that he had complied with the necessity for administering til© oath of allegiance to three lady teachers who had not previously been sworn in.

The Department wrote requesting that the Board grant facilities for an address to pupils by Miss L. Butler, on subjects dealing with patriotism. Miss Butler, tho letter stated, was working in conjunction with the R.S.A., and had devoted several yeavs to the service of the troops overseas, establishing a “Corner of Blighty” in Paris for soldiers on leave. Tho Board expresed the unanimous opinion that Aliss, Butler would, be very warmly welcomed. Mr G. Al. Taylor, science master, forwarded his resignation, in order to take up a position in the Auckland Grammar school. The chairman commented on the excellent work that Mr Taylor had done both in the school and in the games of the school, and on his motion it ws decided to write <Mr Taylor expressing the Board’s appreciation of his work.

Mr P. Edmondson was appointed to the position of “A” teacher, a vacancy falling due in connection with the grading of the'school. Mr C. Wellwood Reeves wrote offering to the Board two sets of copies of documents, drawings and charts compiled on the visit, of Captain Cook in the H.AI.y. Ehdeavor to Poverty Bay. Tile copies had been made by Air Reeves in London last year, as lie believed that they would be of educational interest to public schools in Poverty Bay as well as adding to local records of the landing of Captain Cook.—The Board resolved that Air Reeves lie written to, thanking him for the offer, and for his interest in the school.

A quotation for £lO 14s for extension of the girls’ cycle shed was accepted. Iu the course of his report tho Rector stated that he had been asked for information concerning the construction of baths for the school, a scheme suggested by parents of pupils. They wished to know what arrangements could be made concerning water supply and drainage, .what assistance the Board could 1 give from its funds, whether the money raised would bo subject to subsidy; and other details of information.

Air Wildish said that drainage had been the objection on a previous occasion when baths were proposed.

The chairman recalled that the estimated cost in connection with that, scheme- had run into four figures. Air Kirk reported that he had taken steps to ascertain the..cost of constructing a tennis court in connection with the rectory. The site was not of the best, but it was as-good-as was obtainable. The cost had been estimated at 'close to £l5O. The development of a fives court would cost about £l4O. The estimates, wer© much higher than.he had expected;, and‘before the Board decided to undertake such an expenditure lie suggested that a list of the schools’ requirements be drawn up, and the question considered as to which might first be tackled. The baths proposal was one of tiro questions which could, be thus considered. He understood that the old pupils were willing to take the matter -up, and their appeal would meet witlr a ready response, He suggested that a committee be set up to meet the old pupils and the parents with a view te pushing the scheme ahead. It was no good working piecemeal. Tho chairman said-that he would oppose the expenditure of _ the suggested sum on the provision of a fives court for the rectory. Anything of the sorb would have to be done for the whole school. He was quite in accord with Mr Kirk’s suggestion that the matter should bo considered as a whole. No far as the swimming bath was concerned, he was .very strongly in favor of constructing tlie baths if water and drainage could be arranged. Al.r Wildish supported the committee scheme, and the Secretary (Mr Bull) agreed to prepare a statement of what funds were available, and to ascertain the position in regard to water supply, subsidies, and other subjects. Mr Wildish said that lie would ask -the Borough Engineer to give what assistance lie could in respect to advising the best method of drainage. It was •thereupon decided to instruct the Board’s architect to confer with the Borough Engineer.

The Board decided to meet in committee- on Friday, Alay lltli, three to form a quorum.' '