TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
Committee Consults with Inspector anl Instructor.
A meeting of the School Committee was held in the Library on Friday last, for the purpose of conferring with Messrs Braik (the Wanganui Board’s Chief Inspector) and Hintz (the Board’s Technical Instructor), with reference to the establishment of a technical school at Foxton, There were present:—Messrs S. H. Baker (Chairman), F. W. Frankland; Henderson, Betty and Levett (members of the committee), Mr Adams (headmaster), and Messrs Braik and Hintz. The Chairman intimated that it was the intention to commence the' school in March, and invited Mr Braik to give them some information in reference to technical education. Mr Braik mentioned that Mr Hintz, who was present, was the Board’s instructor on technical education in the, northern part of the district. He explained at length what was being done in the mattter of technical education in other parts of the district. At Manaia they were erecting and equipping a room lor dealing with dairying in a scientific manner. Perhaps Foxton could equip a room for dealing in a scientific way with flax. In Eltham three rooms were being erected for teaching woodwork, chemistry, and science (chemical science and electricity) ; at Hawera a movement was afoot to build a technical school; at Patea science and cookery rooms were being built, and a grant of had been made by the Government, and dairying science would receive particular attention ; Wanganui possessed an up-to-date school; Marton bad completed and were equipping a school; Bulls anticipated building two rooms for teaching science and cookery; Feilding was well equipped ; the people of Taihape had subscribed ,£2OO, and, aided by the Government subsidy, proposed to complete and equip a school by the end of the year, at a cost of Foxton could do what other places had done, but the public would have to contribute. All money raised for technical purposes carried a £ for £ subsidy from the Government. He then enumerated the subjects that could be taught. If the Foxton people were in earnest they could start a school at once. They should give up the idea of converting the old school building into a technical school. He agreed with the Chairman when he said the establishment of a technical school had a very fine moral influence on young men who might otherwise spend their evenings on the street, or in other useless pursuits.
The Chairman said it would be advisable to start the classes in the old building, and later on consider the advisability ot erecting a new building. Mr Braik said continuation classes could be started in the old building, but he did not think the Department would consent to equip rooms there for other purposes. In reply-to Mr Frankland, Mr Braik said an up-to-date school could be erected and equipped for to and two rooms for about that would mean that would have to be raised locally. If the present State School were converted into a District High School the prospects of support from the Government would be greatly enhanced. The Chairman said the late Mr Seddon had promised Government support if a technical school were started in the old building. Mr Varney also favoured the old school building. Mr Frankland also endorsed the Chairman’s remarks in reference to the suitability of the old building for a technical building. Mr Braik said the space required for a science room was 24X 26. Mr James, the Board’s architect could inspect and report on the old building. The Chairman said it was proposed to start classes in the following subjects: English, advanced arithmetic, shorthand, typewriting, bookkeeping, and mechanical drawing. The committee wanted to remove the impression which had got abroad that the school would not open. If, however, a start was once made, he was sure there would be plenty, of pupils. In reply to a query, Mr Adams said at present only four scholars at the local school possessed the necessary qualification for free places.
In reply to a query re fees, Mr Hintz said the minimum fee was los for a term of 13 weeks. Twelve pupils would have to be enrolled before a start could be made. If three quarters were paid in advance, the fee would be 255, as against 30s. Mr Hintz did not think typewriting a very important subject. It was pointed out that teachers could be procoured locally for a number of subjects, and it was decided to communicate with them.
Mr Hintz said it would take A'xoo to properly equip a cookery class.
The Chairman said he felt sure a dairying class would take on. Inspector Braik said he would have circufars printed at once, and an effort should be made to enlist pupils. He would pay a return visit to Foxton in about three weeks time, when a public meeting would be called. Other matters of importance were discussed, and the meeting rose.
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 382, 25 February 1908, Page 3
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814TECHNICAL SCHOOL. Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 382, 25 February 1908, Page 3
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