TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17966, 11 March 1930, Page 8

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

MORE SPACE REQUIRED. L. A RGE INCREASE IN ROLL. ADVISORY BOARD MEETS. The advisory hoard of the Hamilton Technical High last night, Mr F. A. Snell was voted to the chair. There where also present Mrs S. B. Sims. Messrs. B. 11. Andrews, T. 11. Henderson, M. Schofield, S. B. Sims, and G. 11. Gilling. Leave of absence was granted to Messrs. \V. Paul, J. A. Young, M.P., and F. B. Hall. Regret was expressed at the resignation of Miss E. M. Wright, who for the past four years had taught domestic science at the school, and is now leaving for Europe. Appreciation of her services was voiced. The matter of the appointment of a successor was left in the hands of the appointment committee. In view of the fact that Mr. G. H. Oldham, instructor in dairy work, has s been appointed to a new position, it \vas left to the chairman and the principal to make satisfactory arrangements for his classes. The principal was given authority to take the necessary steps to secure a part-time art instructor, and also to make arrangements for the appointment of an assistant supervisor for the Monday evening classes. The matter *of furniture for the new building was left in the hands of the principal to arrange. • Leave of absence, to enable him to take a trip abroad, was requested by Mr. T. H. Henderson. In granting this the board wished the departing member “bon voyage.” It was decided to invite the Minister of Education to open the new additions to the school, which will be completed in about six weeks. The Principal’s Report. In submiiting his report to the board, the principal, Mr. W. Fraser, mentioned that the Technical High School roll number on March Ist was 435, which represents an increase of 81 per cent on the total of March Ist., 1926, four years ago. Last year was the first, occasion on which the enrolment of new pupils passed the 200 mark; consequently the number of new pupils which, this year totalied 230, is easily the largest yet enrolled. Since last March Hie school has lost 221 pupils, practically all of whom are now at work or, in tiie case ol' girls, at home. In .spite of the abnormal depletion in numbers there is ail increase of 25 in Ihe total roll. Adjustments have already been made in the staffing, but further additions are necessary lo bring this up lo such as is permitted by the regulations. Portion of the latest additions are in use, but there is such a large roll that not only will the Winter Show Hall still he required continuously, hut accommodation will have to be found somewhere for other classes as well. The temporary arrangements for laboratory work in electricity and mechanics will not prove satisfactory. Gonditions in general will not be satisfactory until the completion of the third section of the main block for which application was made by the board last year. The Evening Classes. The evening classes commenced last week. Enrolments for the firstweek were far in excess of those of any previous year several of the classes opening the first night with - larger numbers than the school has ever had on the rolls at any time in the past. There is always considerable delay on the part of many students in joining their classes and unless it is possible io divide certain classes it may be necessary to exclude the latecomers for the year. The board has in its employ a staff of 33, of whom 23 are engaged in full-time service. Four new teachers have joined the permanent staff this year and another has still to be appointed.