H.V. HIGH SCHOOL

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 8, 12 July 1928, Page 8

H.V. HIGH SCHOOL

A special meeting of the Hutt Valley High School Board of J&overnors was held in the Board Boom, last Mondayevening to consider the request of the Education Department, that the Standard VI pupils should be transferred from "Waiwhetu school to- the High School, in order to meet the overci'owding there. There were present Mr E. P. Bishworth, chairman, Messrs Teagle, Hutnanee, Callender, Griniwood, Baldwin, London, and the Principal, Mr Kidson. Mr Baldwin pointed out that the Principal would be inconvenienced by the change but, that the welfare of the children must receive first consideration. Mr London strongly supported the department and considered that it would be a great, incentive to the children to make greater efforts in their school life, as many of them, would be obliged to earn their own livelihood before completing their secondary course, and it would be of great value to these children to be allowed to attend the High School. The Education Board was fully alive to the requirements of the district so far as the funds available would permit, and it was the Board's intention to provide more accommodation in the near future.

Mr. Kidson pointed out that whilst he was not opposed to' the suggestion in principle, he considered the temporary nature of the arrangement would lead to difficulties in general control and the educating of the scholars in a new school discipline. Further, Mr EZidson pointed out that a school-room, in the neighbourhood could be rented for their temporary requirements where It would be to the advantage of the children to remain under the discipline of their own headmaster. He did not think the experiment was worth while considering the small monetary advantage to be gained. <

Mr London thought that if the experiment, wTien tried, was found unsuccessful, no great harm would be done.

Mr. Huthnance said that this shortage of accommodation was brought about by a lack of foresight on the part of the Department in not supplying sufficient money for a rapidly-growing district and, that he was strongly in favour of housing the children in temporary quarters in the immediate neighbourhood where they would not lose touch with their headmaster and he pointed out the disadvantage to the children of the change of teachers.

Mr Callender opposed the Department's request and moved "That this Board is of the opinion that temporary accommodation could be procured by renting a hall near the Waiwhetu School and is against the placing of Std. VI pupils under the control of two head masters at the critical stage in their proficiency work." Mr.- Teagle seconded and the motion was carried, Mr London dissenting. Mr. Lqndon?s amendment, "That the available accommodation should be given to the Department to meet their temporary requirements" was supported by Mr Baldwin and Jost. The Board also offered to send a deputation to the Director of Education in • order to more fully explain the situation.