Hokitika High School Board.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 June 1921, Page 2

Hokitika High School Board.

THURSDAY, June 2.

The annual meeting was held at 2.30 p.m. Present—Hon H. L. Michel, Messrs Bruce, Clifton and Duff. ELECTION OF OFFICERS, lion 11. ii. Michel was re-elected Chairman, and Mr J. King was reelected Treasurer on the voices. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. It whs Stated that the funds at the end of the vear totalled £1731 4s. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From Hokitika School Committee, making application for Secretary’s salary. Attended to by Chairman. From Same, acknowledging Chairman’s reply and stating that the matter had again been referred to this Board. From Education Department, re balance sheets.—Received and forwarded.

From Same, requesting Chairman’s report for year.—Received.

From Audit Department, returning certified balance sheets for year 1918R)l9. —Received. The following list of appointments were notified as members of the Board :—Education Board, Hon H. L. Michel; Education Department, Mr J. A. Murdoch; Westland County Council, Mr A. Clifton; Hokitika Borough Council, Mr J. King; Ross Borough Council, Mr T. W. Bruce; Kumara Borough Council, Mr T. W. Duff.—Received. * deputation:

•A, deputation . from the Hokitika School Committee, consisting of Messrs Shannon, Preston, Lloyd, Rev Purclms, and Rector (Mr Irvine) waited on the Board in connection with several matters requiring attention. Mr Shannon asked the Board to reconsider a little more financial assistance for the school. In every other district in New Zealand the High School Boards were assisting financially, and so were getting better teachers. There was also the question of a boys’ hostel that had come before the members on a previous occasion, which they would like to be reopened. Hon Mr Michel outlined the position as defined .under the High School Board Act. He pointed out. that it was on record that file Board had ivo power to spend any moheys outside its income. In the last 30 years the Board had voted to the Hokitika School Committee. the whole of its income. In connection with tho suggested hostel, the Board had no power or available money for the purpose. He pointed out the position at some length.

Mr Shannon said the Chairman had asked what the Board could do. He thought that if the Board put their money into Government bonds they would earn considerably more, interest than they were iiow getting. . The Chairman outlined the financial •nurse followed, showing that the very best, possible action had been taken. Mr Preston said there was tlie building. He thought % thev should get more for it. The Chairman said if they made a firm offer of an increase the Board would consider it.

'Hie Board and deputation discussed the whole subject of the power of the Hoard and the requirem- nts ol the Committee at great length. It was ultimately resolved that the special requirements of the Committee were file, making of a special grant for the second assistant in the High School and that the subsidy granted to for assistance of the commercial instructor he cancelled. This course was ultimately agreed to and the Board resolved on the motion oh the Chairman and Mr Clifton as follows : The the Canterbury Board of Education be informed that the Board 'of Governors cannot see its way to continue the grant of £45 hitherto voted for technical destruction. That the Canterbury Board of Education he informed that with the view of augmenting the salary of the second assistant in secondary department of Hokitika District High School,* the Board vote the sum of £SO per annum. The Chairman then moved that £lO 10s he passed to the School War Memorial fynd.—Seconded hv Mr Duff and carried. The deputation then withdrew after Mr Shannon had expressed pleasure at the courteous reception given and appreciation of the grant made and also the donation to the Memorial fund. Mr Michel said he was glad they had been able to meet and clear up, the misunderstandings that .had arisen. It was resolved to ask for an increase of rental on the Board’s house to £1 per week as from July Ist. The Board rose at 4 p.m.