PROPOSED TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 6 July 1907, Page 2

PROPOSED TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Address By Mr Amos.

The public meeting convened by the Mayor for the purpose of establishing a technical school at Foxton, was held in the Public Hall, on Thursday evening. The Mayor presided, and briefly introduced Mr Amos, the Board’s instructor, who had been invited to be present.

Mr Amos said it was not his intention to speak of the advantages of technical education, that was apparent to all. He would tell them how classes could be established. Classes were divided into two groups—continuation and technical. Continuation was one in which instruction is given in ordinary school subjects, or subjects of general or commercial education. This class would start not earlier than 4 p.m. Such a class would be useful to those who have not had the advantage of much schooling, and an opportunity was offered to continue studies beyond the public school standard. Technical classes were those dealing with arts, trades, and industries. He said, in commencing technical classes efforts were made to establish those that will be of use to the local trades and industries. Free places were given to all children holding a Standard VI. proficiency certificate,' provided they attend regularly and take up arithmetic and English, and provided there is a sufficient number of pupils to pay expenses. Those not desiring to attend arithmetic or English classes may attend one or more classes on payment of the usual fee. The expenses of conducting continuation classes where local instructors can be obtained is 7s rod per term. A.technical class may cost a little more, according to the work taken up. Where the services of outside instructors are required, the cost per class is increased. Twelve is the number for the establishment of any one class. The Minister, may at his discretion, make grants on account of rent. Capitation was paid at the rate ot per pupil in the continuation classes for a term of 12 weeks ; two hours’ instruction per week, or 3s per pupil per term. The capitation was doubled for other than continuation classes. Foxton, he said, being a town of less than two thousand inhabitants, would receive an additional onehalf of the above capitation grant. The fees for classes depend upon the number of pupils. Where the class numbers 12, and local instructors can be obtained, 10s per member per term will clear expenses. The revenue is derived from fees, donations, and capitation. Donations are subsidised for £1 by the Department. No children under 13 years of age are eligible to attend the classes. In reply to Mr Clemett, Mr Amos said the tools were supplied by the Board. The Board would be only too willing to start cooking and millinery classes, as it had resident instructors at Palmerston. In reply to Mr Baker, Mr Amos said as soon as sufficient number of pupils were enrolled classes not requiring utensils or apparatus could start straight away. In reply to Mr Hennessy, Mr Atuus said the hours for instruction were fixed by the local com-

mittee. After a vote had been taken on the subject by the pupils. From 7 to 9 p.m. was a suitable time. A term consisted of 21 .4 weeks of two hours per week, one • subject per evening being taken. Mr Henessy moved and Mr Baker seconded, that immediate he taken to establish a school at Foxton. The being put was earned ■Unanimously. All those present formed themf into a committee to bring ÜBpnt the establishment ot the ■■h, and forms of enrolment ■■b handed round. Votes of V ; were accorded to Mr Amos mmg his address and to the Mayor presiding.