PAEROA HIGH SCHOOL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4939, 15 February 1926, Page 2

PAEROA HIGH SCHOOL.

MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING-

The monthly meeting of the Paeroa District High School Committee was held on Saturday evening, the deputy-chairman (Mr AV. T. Power) presiding over the following: Messrs W. Purdie, A. E. Say, C. T. Mettam, R. J. Thorp, W. H. Bla,keway, AV. L. Lawrence (secretary), and G. H. Taylor (headmaster). INSPECTOR'S REPORT.

The quarterly report on the secondary department by the board's inspector stated that the school was in a sound condition, much good work had been accomplished, a ; nd the standard of efficiency was very creditable.

It was resolved to record appreciation of the work pf the headmaster, Mr E. G. Preston, and Miss. E. H. Taylor, and that they be congratulated on the splendid results obtained by the pupils, largely as a result of their teachers, a ; t the examinations held towards the clos<e of last year. STAFF MATTERS.

Considerable correspondence was read from the board relative to the appointment of assistant teachers. In reply to the chairman the headmaster isaid that even yet a further teacher was required. It was resolved to apply for the appointment of a supernumerary assistant. NEW PLAYING AREA. The secretary reported that the tiew playing area in Wood and Nahum streets had been cleared and ploughed. It was resolved that authority be given to level the uneven portions, and that the whole area be disced and harrowed. NOXIOUS WEEDS. It was agreed to engage labour to cut the blackberries in the gully of the new area, and also in the playground proper. TARRING AND SANDING. Mr Blakeway drew attention to the action of storm-water washing away tlie, fiand in the lower portion of the boys,’ playground, and suggested that something might be done to remedy the matter. It was decided to write to the board and offer .to supply 3,11 materials if the board’s workmen would tar and sand the area when carrying out similar work on othei- parts of the playground. INFANTS’ ROOM. The board advised that the request for subdividing the infant 3 ’ room, and the removal of the gallery, had been forwarded to the department, together with an application for a< grant to cover the cost of remodelling the room. ' The £ for £ subsidy on the £5 collected for the improvement and the purchase of pictures, etc., for the infants’ room w’as authorised by the board. COMMERCIAL CLASSES. The question pf commercial classes, being held, this year was the subject of a reply by the board, which' stated that the request was still under consideration by the department and the senior inspector. So far as the discussion yet reached, it appeared that the authorities, while they considered that book-keeping might be taught in district higli schools, did not favour the teaching of shorthand and typing, which, they considered, equid be best taught subsequently by an. intensive . course on the part of the pupils desiring to use such subjects in the actual, work. The teaching of shorthand and .typewriting would necessitate considerable cost, and it would be necessary to employ special instructors.

It was decided ;to take no further action until a, reply wag- received from the department. ANNUAL PICNIC.

The question of holding the annual school picnic was discussed at length, and it was finally decided to apply to the Ohinemuri. Jockey Club for the use of the racecourse on Thursday, February 25. Should that date be unsuitable to the club, aiid the course was available at a later date, the function would be postponed. The headmaster was authorised to make a ’ circular appeal to parents and friends to assist in providing funds for the picnic. A sub-committee was also set up to confer with and assist the headmaster’ and staff in organising the function. FINANCES. A circular was received from the board advising that the financial year ended on February 28. The secretary was instructed to forward books and vouchers to Auckland for annual audit purposes after that date.