HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 4730, 15 June 1911, Page 2

HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

The first meeting of the newlyconstituted Hamilton High School Board was held in the council chambers, yesterday afternoon. There were present; —Messrs J. S. Bond and J. Tidd, nominated by the Government; J. W. Ellis, J. A. Young, C, L. MocDiarmid, elected by the parents of the pupils; and C. Edgecumbe, H. J. Greenslade and C. J. W. Barton, nominated by the Education Board. An apology was received from the Rev. A. Cow. M H. H. Howden, president of the Chamber of Commerce, presided penffing the election of a chairman. Chairman. Mr J. A. Young nominated Mr Geo. Edgecumbe, who he said had had a long experience in educational matters, having been a member of the Auckland Education Board for eight years, an experience which would be of great service in his position as chairman. Mr H. J. Greenslade seconded pro forma. At this stage Mr J. W. Ellis moved an adjournment in order to allow Rev. A. Cow to be present. When an important matter like this was being settled he said he thought it desirable that the whole of the members should be present. Mr MacDiarmid in seconding the motion endorsed the remarks of the mover. Mr Young strongly opposed the proposal. Men had no right to accept responsible positions unless they were prepared to attend to their duties. Mr Barton charactreised the amendment as most unbusinesslike, as there was no guarantee that, even if the meeting were postponed, all the members would be present at the adjourned meeting. Mr Howden said Rev. A. Cow had received ample notice of the meeting. If they postponed the meeting because one man was not present the thing might go on indefinitely. Mr Ellis said Mr Cow had done his best to be present, but having an important engagement in connection with a wedding, ho could not possibly attend the meeting.

The amendment was then put and lost, only Messrs Ellis, Bond and MacDiarmid supporting it, and ibe election of chairman was then proceeded with. Mr J. W. Ellis proposed as an amendment that Mr J. S. Bond be elected to the chair, emphasising the prominent part Mr Rond had taken in the establishment of the school. Mr MacDiarmid seconded.

Subsequently, however, Mr Bond expressed a desire to have his nomination withdrawn, and Mr Edgecumbe was unanimously elected. Mr Howden then expressed his gratification at the result, and called upon the chairman to preside. Mr Edgecumbe thanked the members for their expression of confidence in him. They were, he said, all actuated by the same desire —the furtherance of the cause of education in Hamilton and the Waikato generally. Had the choice of the Governors fallen on Mr Bond, he, the speaker, would have accorded him his loyal support, and the fullest measure of help, and he felt sure he in turn would receive from Mr Bond that support and assistance so necessary for the successful conduct of the business of the board.

Mr Bond congratulated Mr Edgecumhe upon his appointment, and said his best assistance would always he forthcoming. Mr GreenslaJe moved that the hoard express its appreciation of the manner in which Mr Howden had conducted the business of the meeting. This was carried, and the hoard then proceeded with its work. Retiring Governors. A ballot was taken in acordance with the regulations to decide which of the governors shall retire. The result was as follows: —December 31st, 1912, Messrs C. L. MacDiarmid, H. J. Greenslade, J. E. Tidd; 1913, J. A. Young, C. J. W. Barton, J. S. Bond; 1914, J. W. Ellis, G. Edgecurahe. Rev. A. Gow. Secretary. Mr E. J. Davey was appointed to act us secretary until the next meetng of the board. A committee, consisting of the chairman, and Messrs Greenslade and Bond was appointed to make enquiries re the duties and salary pertaining to the office. Opening the School. $ On the motion of the chairman, it was decided to request the Hon. G. Fowlds, Minister for Education, to open the school. Headmaster. On the motion of Mr Ellis, seconded by the chairman, Mr Ehen Wilson was unanimously appointed permanent headmaster of the school, highly complimentary references to the good work he had accomplished in the past, under most disadvantageous conditions, being made by the mover and seconder, and Messrs MacDiarmid, Young, Barton, Bond, Tidd and Greenslade. Finance. The secretary was instructed to make enquiries from the Education Department regarding the financial position of the board, and what steps would he necessary to place the board in a proper position in this respect. The chairman and secretary were authorised to sign cheques. Opening Day. It was decided if possible to open the school officially on July 3rd. Day of Meeting. Mr MacDiarmid gave notice to move that in future meetings ho held on Wednesdays.