THE HIGH SCHOOLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1925, Page 9

THE HIGH SCHOOLS.

MEETING OF THE BOARD. REPORTS OF PRINCIPALS. The Board of Governors of the New Plymouth High Schools met last night. Present: Mr. H. R. Billing (chairman), Miss C. Douglas, Messrs S. G. Smith, M.P., L. C. Sladden, J. S. S. Medley, L. A. Nolan, A. E. Washer and Dr. E. F. Fookes. During the month the roll number in the upper school had been stationary at 179, stated tho principal of the girls’ school (Miss D. N. Allan, M.A.). One new pupil had been added to the preparatory school, bringing its roll number up to 37. Miss E. Holden, the new commercial teacher, had commenced her duties on June 15. On May 26 a party of girls were kindly shown through the premises of the Sash and Door Company’s factory by Mr. Reid; A very successful “kohanga” had been organised by the prefects and the financial result had been most satisfactory. Preparations for'the bridge drive to be held on Wednesday were well in hand, and the supper arrangements were kindly being undertaken by Mrs. Billing. The headmaster of the boys’ school (Mr. W. H. Moyes) reported that during the past month four boys had entered and one had left. Owing no doubt to the cold southerly weather more boys than -usual had been indisposed, with* the result that the school hospital had been much in use. He would» again respectfully draw the attention of the board to the necessity for proper heating arrangements in this building. The electric heaters had been a constant source of trouble and expense and failed utterly to warm the rooms. During the recent windy weather convalescents had been compelled to sit in a room with the temperature uncomfortably low—a fact which was the cause of much worry and anxiety. Would it be possible to find sufficient funds to build an open fireplace, he asked. The armoury was now completed, and provided ample space for all the rifles issued to the cadets. The cost was within a few shillings of the £5O granted by Sir James Parr when he was in Ne\v Plymouth. As buildings would no doubt shortly be erected on the section of land now used tor agricultural plots, provision would have to'*be made for carrying on the experimental work in connection with the agricultural course next term. A suitable section of ground was essential if the syllabus of work prescribed was to be carried out.

It was decided tn build a double chimney in the boys’ hospital, as suggested by Mr. Smith, who had made a special inspection of the hospital.

Advice was received from the department that the Hobson Street reserve had been vested in the High Schools Board for the purpose of providing means for agricultural instruction. It was decided to purchase a practically new second-hand piano for £75 for use in the boys* school.