EDUCATIONAL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 63, Issue 4490, 15 October 1941, Page 5

EDUCATIONAL

TE AWAMUTU DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. At the monthly meeting of the Te Awamutu District High School Com mittee on Monday evening, Mr G. B. Melrose occupied the chair and also present were: Messrs G. W. Old, J. A. Johnson, W. S. Earwaker, S. H. West, L. S. Spence and G. Donaldson. TECHNICAL TRAINING. It was further reported that since the last meeting, Mr G. V. Wild (Inspector of Technical Schools) had visited Te Awamutu and conferred with Messrs L. C. Day, G. Donaldson and W. G. S. Smith (Headmaster), on the subject of advanced technical training for boys. An album of photographs sent from Tauranga. where such a scheme is in operation showed details of advanced carpentering and agricultural work. Mr G. Donaldson raised the question of storing articles made. In Tauranga ample area was available. The chairman maintained that it was of fundamental importance that boys be instructed in the correct use and care of tools. A number of members stressed the value of advanced work, particularly to those boys who would be later going on to farms. The matter was referred to the Headmaster, for discussion with the woodwork instructor (Mr V. L. Gittos) and to report to next meeting. DRAIN OUTLET. Mr J. A. Johnson reported having recently inspected the drain outlet into Mr Ferriman’s property, stating that both drains fell short of the boundary fence. He considered that the present arrangement was unsatisfactory to both parties. If the two sets of pipes were joined there was a danger that foreign matter, such as grease, would seal Mr Ferriman’s pipes. He thought a second sump should be constructed to overcome this. Messrs G. B. Melrose and J. A. Johnson were appointed to discuss the matter with Mr Ferriman. NEW COMMITTEEMAN. It was reported that, following on the resignation of Mr G. S. Hall from the committee, a meeting of residents had been held in Hairini, and had decided that Mr S. E. Bryant would be a suitable successor, he being willing to accept appointment. A report along these lines will be made to the Board. HEADMASTER’S REPORT. The Headmaster reported that Mr L. J. Smith had been notified to proceed to camp on Ist November as an officer attached to the Ist Waikato Battalion, and would be remaining there for the duration of the war. It was unlikely that a permanent war appointment would be made before next year and a relieving teacher W’ould meanwhile fill the vacancy. Mr Smith went on to report that the roll was increasing with the result that the school would rise a grade next year and the shortage of room would be very real. At present 10 rooms were in use; but next year 12 would be required and the year after 14. Specialist and science rooms were not suitable for use as ordinary classrooms. A letter from the Board on this matter stated it had been referred to the architect for report. OTHER BUSINESS. Accounts totalling £3l 10s were passed for payment. It was decided that the Headmaster be empowered to procure the necessary timber for the construction of a fence around the garden plot recently laid down behind the garage. It was reported that the concrete coping built around the basketball court had been inspected by several members who expressed satisfaction with the job. The work was approved. NEW STOCK ROUTE. The Chairman raised the question of the Stock Road emphasising the danger to schoolchildren of the present route saying that he would like the meeting to send a letter to the Borough Council seeking information about the proposed new route. After discussion it was left to the secretary to ascertain from the Council what has been done to expedite the construction of the new stock road. The Headmaster also pointed out the unsatisfactory state of the road curbing in Alexandra Street. He said it was a constant danger to the 120 cyclists going to school. It was decided that the Borough Council be asked to seal the curbing on both sides of Alexandra Street between the Mutu Street and College Street intersections. THE SWIMMING BATHS. The Headmaster reported that the school would be wanting to use the swimming baths on the Ist November. It was explained that last year the schools had paid £2O for the use of the baths (£9 from both primary and secondary departments and £2 from the Convent). The Headmaster contended that if season tickets could be obtained and attended to at the Borough Council office, only a caretaker need be employed at the baths. There was criticism of the unsatisfactory administration of the baths in pas _ years and of the folly of attempting to make a public amenity pay. Members considered it time the whole question was reviewed and put on a better footing. The chairman thought the committees’ contribution should be in proportion to the time they would be using the baths. He was not in favour of exceeding last year’s payment. Eventually it was left to the chairman and headmaster to interview the Borough Council and make the best possible arrangement for the use of the baths by the school children.