HIGH SCHOOL BOARDS.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19118, 1 December 1933, Page 4

HIGH SCHOOL BOARDS.

COUNTRY REPRESENTATION. FARMERS’ UNION SUGGESTION. A suggestion that the farming community should have more direct representation on the governing hoards -of the Hamilton High School and Technical High School was made at the last meeting of the Waikato subprovincial executive of the Farmers' Union, and it was decided to obtain information as to the constitution of the hoards. At a meeting of the sub-provincial executive in Hamilton to-day, correspondence was read from the two hoards pointing out that representation was governed entirely by regulation, and the hoard had no control over the matter. It was stated by the Technical High School Board that it was possible for probably seven of its twelve members to come from the country. At present both of the local bodies’ members were farmers, and any of the parents’ representatives could be from the country. There was no provision for direct representatives of either town or country parents, but all parents had three members. "There is no direct representation on tile Hamilton High School Board of Governors appointed on behalf of cr untry pupils and parents, and in my opinion there is no need for this in view of the manner in which the board ia constituted, and representatives appointed,” said Mr R. English, secretary of the board. He added that the hoard comprised nine members, including two representing the Education Department, three for the Auckland Education Board, three for the parents of pupils, and one for the Hamilton Borough Council. Two members of the present board were farmers. A recent alteration in the constitution provided that all the members should retire at the end of two years’ service, and country parents would have ample opportunity to nominate and vote for three representatives on these occasions. “As the scheme of control under which this school is run is general lor similar schools throughout New Zealand, I am of opinion that there is little chance of any mo-ve by the Farmers’ Union for direct representation on the board being successful, said Mr English. The chairman, Mr J. H. Furniss, remarked that the principal aim ol' direct representation of the farming community on Hie secondary schools hoards was lo give closer attention to agricultural matters associated wit/, these schools. It was decided to thank the hoards for their information.