TECHNICAL TRAINING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 77, 22 May 1946, Page 2

TECHNICAL TRAINING

WHAKATANE TRAINING CENTRE VALUE OF APPRENTICESHIP The following report was submitted by Mr A. D. O’Rourke, instructor to the motor engineering classes to the Whakatane School Committee last Wednesday evening. I have much pleasure in submitting a report on the activities and instruction for Technical Training of Apprentices for the past year. This year generally has been quite successful, and the class is making steady progress.* Subjects During the year from 15/2/45 to 29/11/45, 38 evening lectures and instruction were given. The subjects were: Four stroke cycle Infernal Combustion Engines, 'Multiple Cylinder Engines, CarburaUon and Carburetters, Fuel Systems, Ignition Systems. Engine Lubrication Systems, Brakes Hydraulic, M:-J anie and Power Colley Systems, Mechanical Linkage., The dutch, The Transmission, The Differential, Bearings, Care of Tyres and defective causes, Springs, Shock Absorbers, Front Axles and Steering assembly, Acetone Welding, Back hand and Front hand Wheel Alignment and Balance Springs etc. Warrant of Fitness procedure and instruction for checking Lathe Tool and Drill sharpening. This covered the mechanical side, some practical but mostly theory. The electrical subjects covered were as follows, both practical and Theory, Magnetism, Static Electricity, Current Electricity, The Electrical Cell, The Storage Battery, Elec-tro-magnetism, A.C. Current, Electric Motors, Electric Meters, The Generator, Voltage Regulator, Starting Motors, Chasis Electrical Systems, Ignition Troubles, the wiring system and fault location. Mr Abbott of Abbott Electrical Coy. instructed on the electrical side. Several extra lectures have been given by the following: v The Acetone Welding Coy. Ltd., the Ford Motor Coy. Ltd. (voltage regulator). Value of Classes Attendance: The attendance generally has been very good, with a roll total of 12 the average attendance through the year has been 10. Opotiki apprentices attended all t*he electrical lectures, but due to transport difficulties, they could not continue. The Opotiki Garage Proprietors are very pleased with the instruction given, so much so that they are endeavouring to set up something similar. I have been asked to assist with instruction should this eventuate.

Library: The class has been presented with a number of motor books; Mr Hansen of Wheeler’s Garage has donated several volumes, promises of further have been received.

Administration: A Technical Committee has been formed as follows: Mr Armstrong, chairman, Mr C. Bathe representing the Workers’ Union, and Mr A. D. O’Rourke, secretary. This committee will work in conjunction with the N.Z. Motor Trade Certificate Board and also assist in. the progress of the instruction generally. Equipment: We have received the following equipment from the Motor Trade Certificate Board, namely, Engine, Differential, Generator and Brake Unit etc.' These parts are at present stored at Mr Armstrongs Coy Depot. Donations of Equipment: Mr Ward, Foreman of the Rangitaiki Dairy Coy., has donated a Cutaway Gear Box with stand, and Mr Brecwon of Mac Lean Motors Ltd., a Morris Minor Engine complete with transmission. A Permanent Classroom

For the past 18 months the classes have been held at the premises of Messrs. Hamill Bros, also Messrs. Abott Electrical Coy. To stai’t the classes this has been quite satisfactory, but the time has now arrived, when it is necessary to have our own technical room, where a proper set up and layout of instruction equipment can be housed. You will note in the report that most of the instruction has been theory, and it is impossible to give practical instruction of any consequence until an independant set up and room are available. Until this is made available progress and interest will be retarded. I wish to thank the Chairman and School Committee, the Businessmen’s Committee, the Garage Proprietors,

the High School Headmaster, the Education Board and Mr Murphy of the N.Z. Motor Trade Certication Board for making available and establishing the Technical Training School for Apprentices in the Motor Trade in Whakatane.