SECONDARY EDUCATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 118, 17 April 1940, Page 9

SECONDARY EDUCATION

HIGH SCHOOLS’ BOARD. REPORTS ON .IMPROVEMENTS. The Palmerston North High Schools’ Board of Governors met last night. Mr M. H. Oram presided and others present were Mrs M. Aitchison, Messrs A. A. Langley, W. H. Brown, G. Tremaine and W. R. Birnio. Reference to the death of the late Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. M. JSavage) was made by the chairman and members stood in silence as a mark of respect. It was decided to place on record appreciation of Mr Savage’s services. The chairman, who paid a high tribute to Mr Savage, said lie had arranged for a wreath to be placed on the funeral train. The chairman reported that _ the Wanganui Education Board’s architect had in hand the preparation of a report on minor improvements and renovations at the Girls’ High School, and was preparing specifications for the erection of additional fire escape equipment at the boys’ hostel, for which a grant of £l5O had been approved by the department. The report added that the question of staffing at the Boys’ High School was receiving attention. The question of the continuation of subsidised labour at the Boys’ High School to assist with the agricultural plots had been taken tip with the Social Security Department, as such subsidy was due for review at March 31. The board had authority to carry on with this work in the meantime pending consideration of its application for the subsidy to extend for the next 12 months. The matter of additional accommodation for art classes at the Girls’ High School had progressed a step further. r I he architect had advised that plans and specifications were completed and he was ready to call tenders. The board had advised the department of this fact and asked it to put the matter before the co-ordination committee for its early consideration. The rector of the Boys’ High School (Mr J. Murray) reported that the roll number was 300 and the average attendance was 349. After a rather broken term the school was hard at work with the term examinations m view at the end of the month. The report expressed thanks to the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) for his organising of the recent visit by pupils to the Exhibition. , . , _ , . The director of the Technical School (Mr H. M. Scott) reported, inter alia, that in life-saving day school pupils obtained four bronze medallions and two bars to bronze medallions. The principal of the Girls’ High School (Miss E. E. Stephens) reported that the roll number was 266 and the average attendance for the last four weeks 258. The school won tennis matches against the Dannevirke High School. A basketball team was entered for the centennial tournament at Wellington at Easter. The girls gave a good account of themselves and enjoyed their visit very much. “Ibis tournament was a special occasion. Ordinarily, I think it is unwise to let teams of young girls enter for these tournaments, as the playing of several strenuous games on one day is an excessive strain. Some of our girls were overtired afterwards. Miss Daniell, who has been holding a temporary position as supernumerary assistant, has obtained a permanent position in Auckland. It has not been possible to make an appointment to fill her place immediately. In the meanwhile Mrs Espiner has consented to take Miss Daniell's timetable. Relieving in Miss Brown’s position is Miss J. Furrie, of Wellington. I have to acknowledge a donation of £lO to the school library, and a gift of an ottoman bed and two warm rugs for the sick room; also a gift of plain wood and iron seats for the grounds. Wc are badly off for scats

outside, and the Parents’ Association have designed and made a strong light seat, painted green, which I think will be both serviceable and attractive. One has been received and others are to follow.” The Parents’ Association was thanked for providing seats. The architect of the Wanganui Education Board (Mr E. R. Hodge) advised that plans had been prepared for additional classrooms at the Girls’ High School, and also forwarded details of proposed improvements to the Boys’ High School grounds and buildings. estimated to cost £lO7. It was decided to apply for a departmental grant towards tile cost of the improvements. It was decided to write thanking the Mayor for his organising of the trip of school pupils to the Exhibition.