marked interest

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19953, 10 November 1934, Page 22

marked interest

TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISPLAY

HIGH STANDARD REVEALED 1 The marked interest displayed by the public in the annual exhibition of work by pupils of the Timaru Technical High School and College was fully justified by the general excellence of the work. At one time the practice was to select the work of the outstanding pupils, and naturally a good impression was created, but the test of any school is the product of the genera] average of the pupils. In the display at the Technical School, which a very large number of people took the opportunity of inspecting yesterday, there were exhibits in some instances by every pupil in a class, and this served to show the standard of the work in a much more effective manner than would have been the case had only a few selected works been displayed. Every phase of the school’s activity was covered, and highly complimentary reference was made by the visitors regarding the work of the pupils. Yesterday morning, representatives of the Farmers’ Union and the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union visited the school and inspected the display, and during the afternoon and evening the school was thrown open to the public. The representatives of the Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division, after having been entertained at morning tea by the staff and pupils were welcomed by the chairman of the Board of Managers, Mr A. Stead, who said that they were always pleased to see visitors. He was certain that once the visitors had seen the standard of the work, they would take a more active interest in the school. Mrs B. E. Evans, president of the Women’s Division, praised the work of

the school, making particular reference to the cookery and dress making classes. It was evident that the children were well taught, and it was pleasing to note that every child had the opportunity of doing something he or she liked. Mr A. Ward, chairman of the Timaru-St. Andrews Branch of the Farmers’ Union, referred to the advance in the standard of the work in recent years. It was pleasing to note that the pupils were receiving a thorough training in the useful arts. “One thing the slump has taught us and that is, there is no short cut to prosperity. We may adopt palliatives, but it is necessary to adopt sound methods to tide us over our difficulties. Nothing adds more to the efficiency of any industry than the technical work done in connection with it.” Mr Ward thanked the Board and staff for the opportunity of visiting the school and for the hospitality extended. In acknowledging the remarks of the speakers, the Principal, Mr F. L. N. Tuck said that he felt sure that the school had the sympathy of the farming community. The pupils were given as much practical work as possible, and although general subjects were included in the curriculum, they did not lose sight of the fact that the technical side came first. The school was fortunate in having a staff of specialists. Mr Tuck thanked the Board and the staff for the support they had accorded him. and he also thanked the Women’s Division for its donation.