HIGH SCHOOLS BOARD

Taranaki Daily News, 29 January 1935, Page 3

HIGH SCHOOLS BOARD

FIRST NEW PLYMOUTH MEETING. NEW MEMBER APPOINTED. The first monthly meeting of the New Plymouth High Schools’ Board this year was held last night. There were present Mr. H. R. Billing (chairman), Miss C. A. Douglas, Messrs. P. J. H. White, P. E. Stainton, W. H. Jones, L. G. Andrews, L. A. Nolan and Dr. E. F. Fookes.

Mr. W. H. was appointed to the board as representative of the Taranaki Education Board in place of the Hon. S. G. Smith. The chairman extended a welcome to him on behalf of the members. He said Mr.. Jones had shown a great interest in matters of education both on school committees and on the education board. His presence on the board would be an asset. Mr. Billing was re-elected chairman of the board for the ensuing year. The question of the erection of a street light outside the girls’ school was held over for Mr. White to report at the next meeting.

A letter from Mr. N. T. Lambourne, Director of Education, asking whether the board was in a position to pay £5OO still owing on the construction of the hostel at Scotlands was received.

It was the board’s opinion that the board’s obligations could not be shirked, but changed conditions warranted a readjustment of the amount and at least partial relief. The board had £785. in hand but this was necessary in case the year’s working showed a loss. The board could not have an overdraft and it was therefore imperative to keep a deposit in hand. Payment of the total debt would reduce the finances to the border line.

. The secretary was instructed to reply to the Director of Education stating the position, presenting the case for the board and asking for a readjustment A copy of the reply was to be forwarded to the Minister of Education.

Mr. Nolan pointed out that two unemployed men had been working at the girjs’ school last year and three at the boys’. When their assistance was withdrawn it would be difficult without extra outlay to keep the grounds in order. It was decided that the various subcommittees should send in reports to the finance committee to assist it in making up the budget. Proposed by Miss Douglas, a motion was passed that the entire board should visit the farm and the grounds of the two schools at least once a year. The members would thus have a clearer idea of the improvements required.