DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5087, 11 February 1927, Page 3

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

MEETING OF PAEROA COMMITTEE. IMPORTANT MATTERS DISCUSSED. A meeting of the Paeroa District High, S'chool Committee was held on Wednesday night, the chairman (Mr C. H. Pascoe) presiding over Messrs W. T. Power, W. Purdie, J. McDonald, W. Smith, W. Chamberlain,, R. J. Thorp, G. H. Taylor (headmaster) and W. L. Lawrence (secretary). DENTAL CLINIC. At the invitation of the cliairman the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) was present, and a round-table conference was held in connection with the provision o'f a dental clinic. Considerable correspondence was read from the Education Department and the Board in connection with the matter, and advice was also received that the committee was required to erect a one-chair clinic only, for w'hich plans and specifications were forwarded. Mr Chamberlain stated that he had gone into the plans: and had come to the conclusion that the committee, with the assistance of townspeople, could quite easily erect the clinic. The Mayer said that it would sjimplify matters if the board would accept a guarantee that the building would be erected to its satisfaction if the department would provide the subsidy. The project was a wopfiy one, and deserving of the whole-hearted support of the townspeople. No doubt a sacrifice would have to be made., but the project was worthy of it, and the erection of the clinic would prove of inestimable value insofar as the health of the rising and future generations were concerned. After considerable discussion Mr McDonald moved, and Mr Purdie seconded : “That, subject to the endorsement of the Paeroa Borough Council, this committee undertakes to erect the clinic according to plans and specifications and to the satisfaction of the board’s, architect, provided the Government contribution of £lBO is available, and that the project can be proceeded with immediately.’’ The Mayor stated that the resolution, which was carried, bad his hearty approval, and he would do all he could to assist in bringing the matter to fruition. It was also resolved to forward the resolution to the Borough Council and ask 'for its endorsement. On receipt of a reply the board would be advised. PUBLIC DUMP. Reference was made to the public dump in the new playing area, and various suggestions were put forward for improvement and better control. A proposal was advanced by the Mayor, and it was decided to leave the matter in His Worship’s hands, with power to act. On the motion of the chairman a vote of hearty thanks and appreciation of the considerable assistance given was accorded the Mayor before he withdrew from the meeting. SCHOOL IN HOT WEATHER A circular was received from the board relative to the school hours to be observed in February. In advising that discretionary power had been given the chairman and headmaster the board stated that it was to be understood that such power was to be used only when the day was of abnormal temperature, and the conditions such that work could not properly be carried out in tjie school. In that connection under the regulations provided that a school: must be open at least 400 half-days each year. It was undesirable _that a school should be closed so frequently in February, that that regulation should be broken. The headmaster pointed out that last year the school had been open 419 half-days. This year the minimum of 400 half-days had been decreased by the fact that an extra week’s holiday was to be granted in May. After a brief discussion it was resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the headmaster with power to act. SWIMMING BATHS. The question of swimming baths for Paeroa was introduced by the chairman, and an enthusiastic discussion followed. In reply to a member the headmaster advised that he had prepared a return showing that 32 per cent, of the children attending the local school were able to swim. He considered that swimming baths were as necessitous as they were desirable. The following resolution was carried, and the secretary was instructed to forward a copy to the Borough Council: “That this: committee, realising the necessity that exists, heartily approves cf the proposal to erect swimming baths, and signifies Its willingness to assist in bringing the project to fruition.” ANNUAL PICNIC. The question of the location for the holding of the annual picnic was considered. Owing to the heavy expense entailed it was decided that an excursion to the Waihi or Thames beaches was out of the question this year. The matter was left in the hands of the headmaster and secretary, with power to act, .an endeavour to be made to obtain the use of the racecourse on Friday, March 4'. VISIT OF DUKE AND DUCHESS.

A lengthy circular was received ■from the Education Board relative to the school excursion to be made to Hamilton on February 26, on the occasion of the visit of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York.

The headmaster said that from inquiries made there would be about 212 children from Standard 111. upwards, in addition to 12 teachers who would make the trip. Children and teachers would be carried free on the railway, and a mid-day meal would be provided by the Government for the children at Hamilton. The chairman said that he was not in favour of the excursion. Considering the distance that had to be travelled and all they would see on arrival at Hamilton, he did not think it was worth while. Mr Power said he did not think

that the opportunity of seeing Royalty should be denied the children. Other members shared a similar view. It was agreed to advise the board that Paeroa would take part in the excursion, and the arranging of details was left in .the hands of the. headmaster and his staff. INFANTS' ROOM; The headmaster reported that the painting of the interior of the infants:’ room and the new woodwork outside had been carried out satisfactorily. A request f<< new blinds was made, and the secretary was instructed to procure them. TARRING AND SANDING. The sub-committee reported that a large area of tarring and sanding had been completed, with the valuable help given by the Borough Council. The question of completing the work if finances permitted was referred to Messrs McDonald, Thorp, and the secretary, with power to act.