SCHOOL INQUIRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 384, 29 February 1908, Page 3

SCHOOL INQUIRY.

The Chairman of the School Committee (Mr H. Baker) has received a letter from the Chief Inspector. In this Mr Braik conveys the information that, acting under instructions from the Education Board, he will hold an enquiry at the local school on Wednesday evening next, at eight o’clock, to deal with the complaint made by the Committee against the headmaster.

During Mr Braik’s visit to Foxton he has arranged to give a lecture on technical education. The subject of his lecture will be the “ meaning, methods, means, and aims of technical education,” and will be delivered in the school on Tuesday evening next, at eight o’clock. This should afford an opportunity to parents and those responsible for and interested in the young people of our community, of knowing something of the immense advantages of technical instruction. As money will be needed to put the old school building in satisfactory repair, as well as providing the necessary equipment, the Committee should avail themselves of the opportunity Mr Braik’s lecture will afford of laying the whole matter before the public, and soliciting their aid, which we do not think will be asked in vain. We would point out that every £1 subscribed locally will receive a Government subsidy of £l, which means the spending of more money in the town. We expect to see a large gathering of persons interested. The following letters received from Chief Inspector Braik by the Chairman of the School Committee (Mr H. Baker), will be read with considerable interest. The two letteres have reference to technical education ;

Dear Mr Baker.—l have just made an examination of the old school and feel compelled to alter my opinion of its utility, notwithstanding the architect’s report. If certain cupboards were removed and certain weather boards taken out, I do not see why the school should not suit for the next ten or fifteen years. There is accommodation for woodwork, cookery, science, and there is also a very suitable little class-room. I would advise you to raise money at once for the following purposes:—(x) Removing the rotten weatherboards. (2) Painting the School, or at least cleaning up the outside. (3) Making whatever alterations may be necessary in the interior. Were these proposals carried out I fancy the Department would equip the rooms. You will get £1 for £1 bn whatever sum you raise to effect the repairs.

Dear Mr Baker.—l have written to Mr Browne, asking him, if it be at all possible, to establish a class in Dairying at Foxton. I have looked for papers on Technical matters, but, except those filed as records, I cannot find anything that would be useful to you. I intend, however, presenting to the Board at an early date, fresh proposals and regulations, of which copies will be sent you in due time. You have, I trust, entered on a campaign for money for the renovation oi the School. When that is done we shall immediately apply for material and equipment. In pushing your claims for support, point out that every £i subscribed means £2 for the School. After the Board meeting on Wednesday you will hear from me as to meeting re classification, etc. Should you require Mr Grant’s services in pushing forward your claims, write to him at Feilding.— Geo. d. Braik.