WORK OF YEAR REVIEWED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19670, 12 December 1933, Page 7

WORK OF YEAR REVIEWED

TECHNICAL COLLEGE REPORT STEADY PROGRESS RECORDED A vea* of steady progress and consolidation particularly in the senior courses in the day school, was reported to the Board of Managers of the Timaru Technical College at last night’s meeting by the principal (Mr F. L. N. Tuck), in submitting his fourth annual review on the work of the College. He said that the school had emerged very creditably from the Education Department’s special intermediate examination in November, 1932, with 43 examination passes (23 boys and 15 girls) and seven accredited (2 boys and 5 girls) from the 60 candidates for senior free places. 'This result compared very favourably with those gained by other schools and was a well deserved tribute to tae efficient work of the staff in difficult times. In addition 17 evening students (10 boys and seven girls) gained senior free places. The increase in the number of pupils continuing for third and fourth years was a gratifying feature of the work, even though the numbers had dwindled in the course of the year through the demands of employment. This group was reinforced by a keen and hardworking set of 32 older pupils (19 senior free place) attending i part-time for one, two and three days a week in special subjects. Of these six came from the Girls’ High School and four from the Boys’ High School, whilst 14 were Technical day school pupils. Scarcity of Apprenticeships. In a comprehensive outline of the work of the various classes, Mr Tuck commented on the fact that the attendance for the year had been 92.6 per cent. An unusual feature in the commercial course this year was that all pupils held proficiency certificates. Half of the enrolments were boys. The domestic science course was gaining rapidly in popularity, while the trades’ course, the boys’ short course, was found to provide suitable training for boys going on the land as well as for those desirous of entering trades. The scarcity of trade apprenticeships was an unfortunate discouragement to boys able to undertake fine and accurate work, but ex-pupils who had been placed were giving an excellent account of themselves. A class in French on modern lines was instituted this year to prepare any pupils who so desired for university entrance. It was an addition to the timetable each morning before regular school. A limited amount of special attention had again been given to prepare those first year pupils for proficiency certificates who entered without them. Senior free I places had been granted this month to 19 boys and 32 girls, and junior free place extensions to two boys and one girl. Singing continued to make good progress among the girls, while folk dancing was entered into with zest. Physical training was taken regularly by boys and girls, the cadet company had been active during the year, swimming, athletics and other sports had maintained a prominent place, while a full programme of organised game's was gone through on Wednesday afternoons. Gratification was expressed at the success of the old girls’ basketball team in winning th; Timaru championship and the King’s Birthday competition. Evening Classes. Mr Tuck detailed the work of the evening classes. The professional accountancy course had again been well supported. There was a distinct falling off in the enrolments for junior commercial classes in book-keeping, shorthand and type-writing, but it was hoped that the improved conditions of trade and employment in 1934 and the returning confidence of the community would make greater demands once more on the resources of the College. Very little demand was shown for general courses for matriculation or other examinations, due no doubt to the lack of openings for young people and the consequent necessity for a longer school life. Good, varied work was done in art, and a keen young class in cookery carried through a useful year’s programme. The dressmaking classes were smaller than usual but, like the others, worked quietly and earnestly. Two classes in invalid cookery for the hospital nurses were conducted, and the examination results on the termination of the course were very commendable. Attendances were good throughout the year and the group of candidates for senior free places again worked earnestly. Eighteen of these awards were made by the department on the principal’s recommendation. Work of Staff.

“To the staff as a whole I wish to express my grateful appreciation for their loyal and efficient service throughout the year,” continued Mr Tuck. The progress made in the various departments was directly attributable lo their zeal and ability. Mr H. F. Harte’s work as woolclassing instructor for some 25 years was well-known throughout South Canterbury and beyond. It was with great regret that in view of Mr Harte’s advancing age that the Board decided to engage a younger man to relieve him of the elementary classes. Regret was expressed also at the resignations of Miss M. Manson and Mr P. W. Campbell. Thanks were extended to the office stau and the janitoi and to Mr E. W. Jones, wno had attended to the gardens. Tribute was paid to the work of the chairman (Mr A. Stead) and members of the Board of Managers for their helpful advice and unfailing courtesy. Appreciation was also made of the interest of members who had devoted attention to buildings and equipment. In conclusion Mr Tuck expressed indebtedness to the many good friends of the College in the town and district who had given encouragement and help. The' general conduct, attendance and punctuality of the pupils has been excellent. I have to thank the parents for their hearty co-operation in bringing this about, and for the frequent expression of appreciation of our work; also the prefects for their willing assistance in school routin and in building a most important esprit-de-corps. I rest also under a deep sense of obligation to the officers of the Education Department for their very courteous consideration of requests made from time to time and for their most valuable advice and help. We entered 1933 under conditions which were far from encouraging, but the enthusiastic co-o|>eration of Board, staff, pupils and parents has availed to enable us to surmount our difficulties, and I cannot but feel that the brighter general outlook now prevailing is a good augury for 1934."