HIGH SCHOOL BOARD

Timaru Herald, Issue 170298, 17 August 1920, Page 4

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD

MEETING OF GOVERNORS

A meeting of the Timaru High School Board of Governors was held yesterday. Present—Messrs J. L. Gillies, \V. F. Cheverton, T. W. Satterthwaitc, A. 11. Guild, J. Maze, F: R. Flatnian, Dr Talbot and Archdeacon Jacob.

Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. Bitchener. M.P. (chairman), 11. H. Bowie, and L. J. McGregor, lu the absence of the chairman, Mr Gillies presided. The chairman reported that the three transfers of the Board's reserves, which had been held over from the previous meeting, had been signed, the steward of reserves having reported that the improvements demanded by the J)oiLid had all been effected. Work at the Girls' Hostel was proceeding very slowly. It was understood that the contractor could not get the subcontractors to expedite matters. Unless the work were pushed on faster than at present some other steps would have to be taken. The new dining hall at the Boys' School w'as now in use and everything was satisfactory there. There was a vacancy oil the Board caused by the resgination of MiEast. Mr McGregor, had suggested that Mr C. E. Kerr should be appointed to fill the vacancy. Mr H. D. Broadhead, of Christchurch, who had been appointed to a mastership at the Timaru Boys' High School,' had declined the appointment, the Canterbury College Board of Governors having made it worth his while not to leave them. The Rector suggested that a temporary appointment be madej and that the vacancy should be advertised later.

_ It was decided to advertise the position at an early date and that the chairman and Rector should make a temporary appointment in the meantime. REPORTS. .The Lady Principal, Miss B. M. Watt, M.A., reported that the number of pupils on the roll of the Girls' School was 154. The attendance had been reduced by wet weather and various ailments; but on the whole it had been good. The work of the school was going forward steadily. As far as could.be judged now the 'girls would have reached their usual examination standard at the end of the year, in spite of the very broken attendance of the first term. The girls would hold their annual sale of work on. August 26. This year the newlyformed and enthusiastic Ex-Girls' Association were helping them with ithe object of getting sufficient funds .to provide the school with a swimming bath.

[ The Rector, Mr W. Thomas, M.A., I reported that the health of -the boys at the School and Rectory had been excellent this term. The term would end on August 27. The secondary schools' tournament, which was being held in Dunedin this year would commence on August 30. The Rector forwarded a list of improvements quired at the school. A report was received from the Matron of the Girls' Hostel (Miss Craig) who reported on some requirements and on the health of the girls. Coughs and colds had been prevalent. The steward of reserves reported -jbn various inspections which ho had made.

Mr Cheverton explained in detail ;fche need for drain pipes on the southern reserve, held by Mr Richmond, and-it was decided to supply the - necessary pipes. . ' CORES'POdSIDENCE. ■ The Education Department,, wrote that it coul'd do nothing to assist the Board in the direction of securing ai reduction in the rate of interest on overdrafts charged by the banks to High School Boards.

The Department also wrote agreeing to grant a loan of £2O for installing laundry apparatus at the Girls' Hostel, this being half the estimated cost.

Mr AY. J. Rosevear, janitor of the Boys' School, wrote asking for a definition of his, duties. The work expected of him now was more than he coul'd deal with, and he wished to know whether he should concentrate on the school or the grounds. It was decided that the matter should be looked into. GENERAL', It was decided that a special meeting of the Board should be held at an early date to consider the suggested, improvements at the Boys' School. Mr Satterthwaito said that before they incurred any further expense on the Rectory they must have a fresh agre-ement with, the Rector and ascertain exactly where they stood. He would strongly object to spending any more on. the Rectory till this was done. Next meeting would, give them a good opportunity to consider the fees for 1921, and they could then get an idea what the Rector was prepared to pay the Board. They should meet the Rector and ascertain exactly where they stood.

The chairman agreed that a fresh agreement would be necessary as between the Board and the Rector.

Dr. Talbot also expressed a similar view.

Mr Flatman said they should go into-

the whole mater thoroughly and have a distinct understanding, so that no surprise would he sprung upon the parents. Mr Che.verton said they should also be careful not to spring a surprise upon the Rector, who she aid he given ample time to consider his position. The secretary said there was no suggestion of spending the money at once. It was decided that a special meeting of the Board should he held at the Boys' School at --2 p.m. on Friday, August 27, to go into the matter or improvements, the raising of the fees for next year, and to hear the Hector's proposals as to what he will he willing to l>av the Board. In the course of a discussion on the boarding schools and the purchasing of supplies Mr Maze said he thought the time had come when the secretary should devote the whole of his time to the Board and act as a kind of manager. Mr Satterthwaite said he had long been of this opinion. . Attention was drawn to the fact that apparently a great deal too much butter was being used at the Girls' _ Hostel, and it was decided that a diet scale should be drawn up so that it would he possible to check all supplies. Two names were mentioned of those willing to take a place on the Board in place of Mr C. East (resigned) Dr. O. A. Paterson and Mr O. E. Kerr. Dr. Talbot proposed, and Mr Guild seconded, the election of Mr Kerr. .Archdeacon Jacob proposed, nsd Mr Satterthwaite seconded, the election of Dr. Paterson. On the motion heing put the voting was: For Dr. Paterson, mover and seconder and Messrs Flatman and. Chevertoh; for Mr Kerr, mover : and seconder and Messrs Gillies and Maze. The ohairma.n gave his casting vote iu favour of Mr Kerr, who was thereI rpnn declared elected. J Mr Satterthwaite was appointed a i 'imnher of the Hostel Committee.

Accounts were received amounting to "289 for "extras" in conneotion -witK building operations at the -Boys' School. It was 'decided to refer the matter \o the Board's architects, Messrs Turnbull and Rule. [ACCOUNTS. Accounts wer© passed for pavment a a fol I ovcs:— .General £ll3 4 Hoste} £2ll