WAIRARAPA HIGH SCHOOL.

Wairarapa Age, 21 March 1925, Page 5

WAIRARAPA HIGH SCHOOL.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS. The monthly meeting of the Wairarapa High School Board of Governors was held yesterday, there being present Dr. G. H. Scholefield (chairman), Mrs T. B. Barrer, Messrs P. M. Compton, A. Donald, R. McLeod, H. C. Robinson, C. E. Daniell, T. Jordan and O. N. C. Pragnell. The financial -statement showed general a/c. cr. £386 16/6, building a/c. cr. £l6 17/2, endowment cr. £l7O 8/, grounds a/e. dr. £435 15/9, school house cr. £6l 3/8, er. balance at Bank £B2 2/3. The Masterton Trust Lands Trust replied, in regard to the Board’s suggestion that the early history of the Trust be recorded that the matter was left to a committee. The Hon. Sir James Parr expressed thanks for congratulations. The Education Department advised that no schools of any kind would be permitted to open before March 30. An Education Board circular advised that High School Boards should be able to bear the cost of postage on homework. Some boards had requested pupils to send a stamped, addresssed envelope for return of their work, but this should not be done. The Board should pay the return postage. A Longer School Day. The Principal (Dr. W. H. Uttley) suggested that, as much school time was being lost through the infantile paralysis epidemic extra time be worked after the school reopens, either a half-hour each day, or Saturday mornings. Mrs Barrer suggested that time could also be gained by the matriculation and university scholarship examinations being held later than usual. Mr Robinson suggested that the recommendations be referred to the Department. Mr Daniell moved that the Principal confer with the academic committee, who could communicate with the Department. -Mr Robinson seconded. —Carried. Letters were received from the Education Department submitting the proposed new regulations for parttime teachers, enabling the Board to spend a certain annual sum at its discretion.—The Academic Committee re. commended that the-proposal be supported and that the Department be notified that the Beard wished to employ part time teachers in drawing, typewriting and class singing.— Adopted. The*Educatio> Department notified its consent to the appointment of Miss D. Bethell. Extension Lectures. A circular letter from the Hawkes Bay Education Association asked for support in furthering a system of University extension lectures. Mrs Barrer said the scheme. would allow those unable to attend the University to get the benefit of University lectures in their own town. The chairman said the idea was a good one but the question of expense was to be considered. It was decided to support the proposal. The Solway College Board of Governors asked if the High School would take two home science and two physical science pupils.—Referred to the academic committee. Hostel Committee. It was reported that tenders for supplies from April 1 to March 31 were to be invited. Twenty-five new boarders had been enrolled. Grounds and Finance. The committee reported that two gas fires had been placed in the School House on trial; the tarring and sanding of t!he roadway in the school grounds was being done; solicitors had asked for payment of £l5O for J. F. Mannings, architect, for sketch plans, which was referred to the legal committee whose recommendation was adopted. Money for Improvements.

A plan of proposed fencing and laying out of the grounds surrounding School House was placed before the Board by the grounds committee.

Mr Jordan wanted to know what money was available for the proposed work.

Mr Compton said that the financial statement showed that the Board was still solvent. The chairman stated that the financial committee should be able to bring down their report at next meeting. Mr Jordan said the committee should bring down a report of estimated revenue and expenditure. There was also the reply still to bo given to

the Trust, which was long overdue. The chairman said that until the hostel opened it was impossible to ascertain what the full commitments would be. Mr Jordan asked if the Department was withholding the endowment moneys to pay for the cottage. The secretary said that none had come forward. Mr Jordan moved that a special meeting be held before next meeting to consider finance. It was decided to hold a special meeting on April 3. Principal’s Report. The Principal (Dr. G. H. Uttley) reported that correspondence courses had been arranged, two assignments of work having been published; he could not state what the roll number would be, and suggested an advertisement for information as to those who h»d left; slates had fallen from the roof of the building and the copper ridging had been lifted; the desks required attention; the type of fence to separate the hostel and grounds from the playing area should be decided on; it would be necessary to top-dress the cricket field. Groundsman’s Report. The groundsman expressed satisfaction with the cottage. The spare ground near the tennis courts and at girls’ entrance was nearly ready for sowing, and 6 or 8 bushels of seed would be needed; 20 or 30 frnit trees would be an asset to the hostel; if the Board supplied the timber for a light fence around the cottage he -would erect it; the tractor was doing good and cheap -work, the cost ' over 18 weeks, as compared with a horse, being £lB in favour of the tractor.