ASHBURTON NEWS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19237, 26 November 1930, Page 16

ASHBURTON NEWS

AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL. At the last meeting of the Ashburton County Council, members spoke strongly in favour of the Ashburton High School Board's application for the school to be classed as an Agricultural High School, and a copy of the council’s letter forwarded to the Minister of Education and to members of Parliament for the Mid-Canterbury and Temuka electorates was received at yesterday’s meeting of the board. The letter stated : “I have the honour by direction of the council to inform you that it heartily approves of and supports the application of the Ashburton High School Board of Governors for the declaration of the school as an Agricultural High School. The following statistics show the importance of Ashburton County as an agricultural district: Area in cultivation (acres) 673,737 (second in New Zealand) ; area in wheat, 62,221 acres (first in New Zealand), area in oats, 14,486 acres (first In New Zealand). It will thus be seen that only one county has a greater area In cultivation and that Ashburton County grows an area of wheat three times greater, and of oats a much greater area than any other county. It might therefore be designated the centre of agriculture, and as such the justice of its claim for an Agricultural High School cannot be gainsaid. “Having a capital value of £11,629,854, the second highest in New Zealand, it provides the Government in taxes with a very considerable portion of its requirements, its population (excluding Boroughs) 12,510, is surpassed by only four other counties, while its climate, central locality, and the wide scope of its agricultural pursuits make it ideal as a centre for agricultural education. The council therefore trusts that these representations will be given full consideration when the request of the High School Board is being considered.” It was stated that the agricultural farm was at present leased by the Department of Agriculture, but there was no reason why the Department could not work in conjunction with the school. It was agreed to thank the council for its support. Citizens’ Band Committee. A meeting of the Citizens’ Committee in connection with the Ashburton Silver Band was held last evening, Mr F. Pritchard presiding. The secretary, Mr E. R. Hopwood, reported that the recommendation by the executive to divide the town into blocks for purposes of canvassing for honorary members and subscribers, each honorary member to receive a double ticket entitling him to attend two special concerts, had been approved by the band. The recommendation that the band give at least two chamber concerts a year, to be open to the public, honorary members reserving the right to reserve seats without extra charge, has also been approved. The report was adopted. The borough and suburban districts were divided into blocks, and canvassers were appointed. It was agreed to commence the canvass on January 10, the returns to be in not later than one month from that date. It was agreed to circularise country supporters. High School Board. At a meeting of the Ashburton High School Board of Governors yesterday, Mr J. W. Bowden presided. A welcome was extended to Mr R. Bell, who had been unavoidably absent from meetings on account of ill-health. The chairman intimated that so far no date had been fixed for the visit of the Minister of Education in connection with the application to have the school classed as an Agricultural High School. The head master (Mr E. A. Codkroft) reported that the roll numbef was 199 (106 boys and 93 girls). The Public Service Entrance and Intermediate examinations were being held at present, together with the ordinary examinations. The University Entrance examinations would commence ’on Monday. The break-up would be held in St Andrew’s Hall on December 12. School Committee Meeting. At the monthly meeting of the Ashburton East School Committee the following were present:—Messrs W. S. Kerr (chairman), H,. Money, R. H. Loy, A. Shepherd, F. 11. Knight, E. 11. Childs, and the head master. The head master’s report stated that the roll number was 534, boys 262, girls 272. The average attendance was boys 252.2, girls 258.5. The percentage of attendance was 95.6. A Parents’ Day would be held on November 27 and the breakup ceremony on December IS. A special committee reported that arrangements were well in hand for the annual excursion which would be held on December 11. Votes of thanks were passed to the following for donations of plants, etc., for the school gardens: Messrs F. 11. Knight, A. Clark and S. Groves. In Bankruptcy. A petition in bankruptcy has been filed by William Gayton Keele, farmer, Ashburton, and formerl} r of Arundel. A meeting of creditors will be held on Monday, December 8. A. And P. Association, At a meeting- of the general committee of the A. and P. Association yesterday Mr 11. C. B. Withell presided. A letter was received from Mr D. G-. Wright recommending: (1) That where there is no competition, champion honours should be awarded if considered of sufficient merit; (2) that the farmers classes be altered to (a.) half-bred, (b> three-quarter-bred, and (c) cross-bred. The recommendations were referred to next year's committee, together with the following: (1) Exhibitors to state on entry-forms what pens they are sending for various specials; (2) that tickets be provided and placed on sheep where necessary, to save confusion when taken out of different pens foxjudging; (3) that two judges be appointed in the large classes; (4) that classes 79 and 80 je more clearly' defined as follows: “ hree wethers above sixteen months an. under twenty-eight months,” instead of three one-shear wethers and three two-tooth wethers; (5) that class 75 be for three wethers by Down rams (including Ryelands) ; (6) that the general committee be asked for a ruling on a definition of “ No competition.” On the motion of Mr F. Frampton it was agreed that if there were only oneentry in a class it be treated as a competition.