NGATEA SCHOOL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5352, 16 November 1928, Page 2

NGATEA SCHOOL.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. The Ngatea District High Schopl Committee met last evening, Mr W. McDuff presiding over. Messrs R. Rowlings, C. Vagg, R. Corrtthwaite. W. Wylde, and E- C. Barriball (secretary). The headmaster, Mr W. Chappell, was in attendance. SWIMMING BATHS. The question of providing a school swimming bqth was mentioned by Mr McDuff, who pointed out that tlhe Swimming; Club was going on with its floating bath He had suggested that the club should drop its scheme and place its money tqwards a concrete bath in. the playgroumj, but the club was of the opinion that this would mean a long delay. He had gone into the proposition, and estimated that a concrete bath 60ft long, by 30ft wid'e, and of an average depth of sft would cost about £250, excluding the cost of the excavation, which would probably be done by someone who desired the spoil. The Education Department would .subsidise, the scheme up to £lOO on a £ for £ basis. He thought the public would readily subscribe to such an object. Members agreed with this, and the calling of a public meeting to disc.uss the proposition was suggested.

Other mqmbers favoured approaching the people of the district to see if the matter met with public approval.

In the discussion it was mentioned that the bath would be available for the use of thq public under the control of the school Committee and on conditions to be approved by the Education Board 1 . It was decided! that the com,mittee make inquiries as to the amount of public support and report in a wqek’c time. ESSAY COMPETITION.

The headmaster repqrted on thq Wellington. Navy League’s essay competition, in which t,he first prize in the senior grade; had been wonl by Master W. P. Foster, of the Ngatea District High School. An indication of the merit of Master Foster’s achievement was the fact that the second and third prizes (had bejen won by scholars of the Waitqki Boys’ High School, Oamaru, and Wellington College respectively, while the prizes in the lower grades (had all bee;n won by scholars of big town schools. Master Foster was 15 years of age, and was the holder, of a junior free place, whereas the contest was open to senior as wqll as junior free place holders. The committee decided ,to congratulate the boy on his success. ADDITIONAL LAND.

The chairman said he had interviewed the Prime Minister, with reference to securing an additional area for a, playground, but the; reply was very indefinite and indecisive. A letter was received from the Education Board to the effect that the matter had been referred to the advisory inspector for. a report. BICYCLE SHED. The chairman reported that a contract had been let for. the erection of a bicycle shed and a, toolshed, and the job had been completed.