DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3751, 7 February 1928, Page 3

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

COMMITTEE MEETING. The ordinary monthly meeting of the above committee was held last evening, presided over ,by the chairman (Mr. J. K. Hornblow). .Also present. were: Messrs M. E. Perreau, A. G. Huntley, A. Alsop, John Ross, A. Stevenson, H. Hutchins, and R. Rangiheuea (hon. sec.) The headmaster (Mr. F. A. Mason), was also in attendance. An apology for absence was received from Mr. Cowley.

Matters in connection with the railway excursion and picnic to be held at Ashhurst to-morrow were discussed, and details finalised. Resolved that the school open in Thursday at 9.30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.

The resignation of Miss Clover, assistant at the side-school, was received, and it was decided to forward Miss Clover the committee’s appreciation of her services and to wish her success in her new position at WJanganui East. It was also decided to meet Miss Clover socially and also Air. Alsop, who is shortly leaving on a trip to England, in the school on the evening of the 24th inst.

(Details in connection with the purchase of High School badges were left in the hands of the chairman and head teacher. Messrs Stevenson and Hutchins jbrought up the question of attendance of pupils at the swimming baths. The opinion was expressed that instead of daily attendance of pupils for a brief period that one hour per week be substituted and those unable to swim be put through a course of instruction and demonstrations of life-saving and first aid be taught.

The headmaster explained that the attendance was so arranged to take the place of physical drill and that the attendance at the baths was not allowed to interfere with the ordinary lessons. -Land drill would be given when the weather precluded attendance at the baths. He stated that no capitation would be paid for swimming. Mr. Perreau said the Borough Council would naturally expect some payment for the use of the baths as expenses had to b'e met. It was true that the public had contributed the money for the baths construction but maintenance had to be met.

The chairman said he would confer with the Board re a grant for the purpose. It was decided that Mr. Hutchins confer with the head teacher re improving the present system. The headmaster reported that the roll number was as follows: — Primary 385, secondary 53, side school 48. The Maori children were not attending regularly since the holidays. Misses E. M. Denton and A. Holst had taken up their duties vice Misses Leslie and Admore resigned. Mr Alsop reported upon the sideschool.

Both reports were adopted. Accounts were passed for payment.