HIGH SCHOOL BOARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 22, 20 July 1911, Page 4

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the New Plymouth High School Board was held at the secretary's office yesterday afternoon, when there were present: Messrs. N. K. MacDairmid, S. Percy Smith. M. Fraser, E. Dockrill, D. Hutchen and H, Eyre Kenny. The chairman welcomed the new members, Messrs. H. Eyre Kenny and 9. Hutchen, who took their seats ou tht Board for the first time.

An apology was received for the absence of Dr.Fookes. PROPOSED BOARDING SCHOOL. The chairman reported that in connection wjth the visit of the Minister of Education to Taranaki last month a letter had been sent inviting the Minister to visit New Plymouth and discuss matters in connection with the High School. A wire was received from the Minister regretting that ho was unable to visit New Plymouth, hut he would be pleased to receive a deputation at Stratford. The chairman stated that at the time he was ill and unable to go or to arrange with any member to go. Tic, however, did not think an interview at Stratford would have been much use, as they wished to meet him on the ground and show the buildings and also the inconvenience of carrying on the school in two divisions. Mr. Fraser pointed out to the two new members that since the inception the Board'* ambition had. been to establish a boarding school under the superintendence of the headmaster and staff. Owing to their financial position, however, they had been unable to carry out the work, and he thought that the time was now opportune to approach the Government for assistance. There was no doubt that the school could not be on all fours with those in other centres while the disadvantages were what they were. He would propose that the. secretary make up a statement of the financial position and see what assistance; would be required from the Government. The Board could then go systematically into the matter and hold a special meeting. Then, if necessary, a deputation could go to Wellington. The chairman was in favor of this, as they would then have necessary facts and figures, which they could not have in a hurried interview at Stratford. This suggestion was adopted. TECHNICAL GRANT.

Mr. F. J. Hcatley, technical organiser, wrote asking the Board to consider the question of a grant by the Board to the Technical School. He pointed out that they were making special efforts to offer a course in metal work and engineering, the former of which would prove useful to the boys of the High School rural division. They would at present be unable to have a grant for the whole apparatus from Wellington, but a subsidy would be granted on any money raised locally. He would therefore he pleased if the Board could see its way to renew the grant. The question of renewal was held over for further consideration.

CONSTITUTION OF- THE BOAHD. Mr. Hutchen brought up the question of the constitution of the Board. He wished to move that its constitution should be amended to consist of. seven members, viz., the Mayor of New Plymouth, three members elected by the parents and guardians of the children, and three appointed by the Governor-in-Couneil, instead of the seven being appointed as at present. He wished to know whether the Board required notice of motion, because a Private Bill would, be necessary, and if it wag to be put through this session there should be no delay. He pointed out that he had gone through the constitution of the various boards in the colony, and none were constituted as New Plymouth was. His proposed amendment was on the lines of Wellington College. He suggested a special meeting next Wednesday to discuss the matter. Mr. Dockrill considered that the amount of publicity necessary for a private Bill would make it impossible to get it passed this session. Mr. H. Eyre Kenny considered that it was a matter of grave importance, and he did not consider a week sufficient time to deliberate on the matter. He would like time to look into the question and see if it would be for the real interests of the school. He moved that it be discussed in a fortnight's time. This was seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried.

GENERAL. The Borough Council wrote that the Council could not see its way to make the deviation of Hendrie street as suggested. In order, however, that the Council might be in a position to reconsider the matter later the sections that would be effected by such deviation would not be included in the list of sections to be put up for lease. Miss R. Livingstone wrote accepting appointment as assistant mistress at the High School, and intimating that she would commence duties on August 1. mi. Misses Grant and Dew wrote thanking the Board for the recent increases of salary.

It was resolved that the sum of ,C 5 be authorised for lighting the large room at the school with electricity so as to enable the room to be used for school debates. The Board decided to vote £lO to

the Sports Committee towards the entertainment of the boys from Napier and Palmerston North, who would be here on a visit next month to play football against the local boys. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Hooker for supervising the laying down of the tennis court, and it was also resolved to donate him ,-Cl Is. CIRCULAR TO PARENTS.

The secretary stated that he had forwarded, in accordance with the Hoard's resolution, the following eireular: ''That the wish of the Hoard is that if any parent has any complaints against the school, or suggestion for its improvement, the Board will be very pleased to discuss the matter with them." He had sent out 130 circulars, and had received fourteen replica. Twelve of these expressed satisfaction with the progress made by their children at the school, and had no suggestions to make for its improvement. The other suggested that a meeting should be called of all personally interested in the school, and that the Board should give parents a little knowledge of the inner workings of the Board, and a discuss other matters. Mr. Dockrill said that was just what he expected, and was the reason why lie was so anxious to have the circulars sent out. There was not one complaint out of 130 circulars. It was decided that no action be taken at present, as other circulars might come in.