THE HIGH SCHOOLS

Southland Times, Issue 20666, 23 April 1929, Page 3

THE HIGH SCHOOLS

MEETING OF BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Southland High Schools’ Board was held last night. There were present: Messrs R. M. Strang (chairman), John Gilkison, F. G. Stevenson, andxthc Rev. J. Lawson Robinson. The Lady Principal (Miss M. Samuel) reported that during the month five girls had left the school, three being transferred, while one was in ill-health and another had taken up home duties. The present roll number was 252. There had been a mild epidemic of the prevailing colds in the school, but the attendance had not been materially affected. Arrangements had been made for a party of 20 girls to visit the Hermitage'at Mount Cook at the beginning of the holidays, and it would be necessary for two teachers to accompany them. Leave would be necessary for Misses Cumming and Calder for two days before the. holiday. An interesting lecture on the League of Nations had been given by Mr A. E. Featherstone. The subject had been treated broadly and simply so that this lecture might serve as an introduction to a series. The Minister of Education had visited the school on March 20. He had granted a holiday to the pupils and this had been included in the Easter holidays. The school swimming sports had been held on March 21 in conjunction with the Boys’ School. They had again proved very successful. Attention was drawn to the necessity of purchasing an additional sewing machine. The matter of the purchase of a sewing machine, or if necessary two machines, was referred to Mr Stevenson with power to act. Architect’s Report. The architect reported that a number of tiles on the stair treads at the Boys’ School would require to be renewed. This was considered to be due to the method of progression of the boys in bounding down the stairs and not, as stated by the rector, due to faulty bedding. A method of channelling the sills of the windows facing the west to prevent the rain penetrating was recommended. It was considered that the board should apply for a grant for a bicycle shed with accommodation for 75 bicycles which with an asphalt path was estimated to cost £135., The report was received. It was decided to draw the rector’s attention to the cause attributed to the breaking of tiles and urge that more care should be exercised. Visiting Committee. The visiting committee (Messrs Gilkison and Carswell) reported that at the Girls! Schools the tennis courts were cracking and required tarring and sanding.' A heater was necessary for the lady principal’s room. At' the Boys’ School provision for draining the asphalt area was necessary. The playing area required treating with lime and sowing with fescue. It was decided to have the necessary work carried out.

It was decided to instruct the architect to prepare an estimate of the cost of fitting the assembly hall at the Girls’ School with electric lighting and also such points as would be necessary to enable the use of a vacuum cleaner throughout the school.