SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1115, 28 June 1913, Page 2

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The monthly meeting of the above was held in the school on Thursday night. Present: Messrs Hornblow (chairman), Betty, Coley, Hunt, Hussey, Henderson, < Rev Thomson, S. Read, Speirs. and the headteacher, Mr' Jackson. The Chairman reported that the heater forwarded by the Board for experimental purposes had arrived, and it was decided to erect it in the headteacher’s room, details to be left to the Chairman Correspondence was read from Mr Matthews, technical supervisor at Feilding, asking the prospects ot running technical classes at Foxton, and stating that he would te pleased to visit Foxton and assist in inugurating same. The headteacher said he had received a similar letter, ahd had replied expressing his own views on the matter.

The Chairman explained that previous attempts to start technical classes in Foxton had tailed. The only classes which had been attended were millinery and continuation classes, the latter conducted by Messrs Adams and Jackson. He did not think the money expended on so-called technical education in scattered districts could be justified by results. There was only room in the Wanganui district for two properly equipped and staffed technical institutions, and it would be more economical to centralise. Provision was made in the Act for the headteacher, with the committee’s approval, to conduct continuation classes..

Mr Speirs favoured the proposal to start certain classes which would be very beneficial to young men and women, for instance, cookery, millinery and woodwork. Mr Coley was of opinion that the girls could be as well trained in cookery at home. One committeeman ventured the opinion that the youngsters con* sidered picture entertainments of greater attraction and more bene* ficial than education.

Mr Coley said in view of past experiences there was very little chance of forming classes.

The Rev. Mr Thomson said he was in favour of forming certain classes.

Mr Read said he was opposed to the present system but favoured centralisation.

After further desultory discussion it was decided to hold the matter over for the present. Messrs Betty and Coley reported re visitation and that certain repairs had been effected.

The Inspector’s report on the school was read and favourably commented upon. The head teachfer’s repoit stated that the average attendances for the past four weeks were 335*3, 337’8, 33i*2, 328*9; the average lor the whole period was 335*8 out of an average roll number of 374.5 ; the present roll number is 376. The teachers asked that the day for Bible instruction be altered from Friday to Monday. The front path required another load of limestone. It was decided to leave the changing of the morning for Bible instruction classes to the ministers concerned. The question of procuring limestone was left in the hands of Messrs Coley, Speirs and Read.

A number of accounts were passed for payment. Messrs Hornblow and Header- , son were appointed visitors for the month.