HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 21 July 1925, Page 5

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING.

The Timaru High School Board of Governors met yesterday. Present : Mr W. D. Campbell (in the chair), Mrs B. H. Low, Messers W. F. Chevcrton, 11. Orwin, and 'J'. Lyons.

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT. The chairman said that as Mr J. Maze had been unable to continue his membership of the Board, the Canterbury Education Board had appointed Mr J. G. Gow in his stead. During the month the Minister of Education (Sir James Parr) had visited 'liinaru, and had inspected both schools. I lie Department’s architect had also been in town, and had inspected tho Girls High School. The Grounds Committee had visited the Girls’ School to ascertain what improvements could be effected to the grounds. It was decided that it was advisable to obtain tho opinion of an expert, and the Mayor had given his authority for the Board to ask Mr D. N. Harper, curator of the Pgrk, to submit a report. Mr Orwin brought up the question of heating at the Girls’ School. Ho had heard complaints that the present heating was totally inadequate. The secretary s,nid that when tho Department’s architect was in Timaru he had mentioned that, a new heating system would bo installed when tho additions were being effected. The chairman said the school was certainly in need of heating. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee for consideration.

SCHOOL CONCERT. Mrs Low moved that a resolution bo sent to the Principal and staff of tho Boys’ School, congratulating them on the success of the annual concert. Mr Fraser, in seconding the motion, remarked that it was one of the best concerts the school had ever presented. —The motion was carried unanimously. LADY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT. The Lady Principal, Miss J. R. Barr, reported that the work of repairing the roof of the school was almost completed. During the wet weather the approach to the bicycle shed had been practically impassable. She suggested that tho ground be asphalted. The matter was referred to tho Finance Committee, with power to act.

RECTOR’S REPORT. The Rector, Mr W. Thomas, reported that the new classrooms were almost completed' although no definite date could be given for the opening. In his opinion, it was time that a comprehensive building scheme was formulated. He would like to discuss with the Finance Committee: (a) Tho reerection of the fives courts; (b) the addition of two more classrooms; (c) tho erection of a bicycle shod; (d) the building of a gymnasium, and the extension of tho servant’s quarters. It was decided that the scheme be referred to tho Finance Committee.

MORE ADDITIONS UNWARRANTED A letter was received from the Director of Education stating that the present attendance at tho Bovs’ School did not warrant an increase in accommodation. It could not be considered that the accommodation was overtaxed. With reference to the additions at the Girls’ School, tho Department’s architect was of the opinion that the most suitable place _ for the new classrooms was adjoining the gymnasium. A two-storey building would prove satisfactory, and would not encroach unduly on the playing area. The chairman said that as far as the Boys’ School was concerned they would have to be satisfied with tho present accommodation. It was decided that the letter be referred to the Finance Committee.

MR. HARPER’S REPORT. Mr D. N. Harper, curator of the Timaru Park, reported having inspected the grounds at the Girls’ School. He submitted a lengthy report, containing suggestions by which the grounds could be improved. It was resolved that the Mayor be thanked for permitting Mr Harper to make the report, and that Mr Harper also be thanked for his kindness in inspecting the grounds. The report was referred to the Finance Committee for consideration.

DUNEDIN EXHIBITION. The Education Department, in reply to the Board’s letter, regretted that it could not approve of a grant towards the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. GENERAL. Mr Fraser said it was extremely gratifying to see that tho debit for the Girls’ High Preparatory School was only 2s 6d. Accounts amounting to £441 Is 8d were passed for payment.