KING EDWARD TECHNICAL

Otago Witness, Issue 4033, 30 June 1931, Page 7

KING EDWARD TECHNICAL

COLLEGE MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of managers of the King Edward Technical College was held on Tuesday; present—Mr Scott (chairman), Mrs Cumming, Mrs W. Herbert, Messrs L. Sanderson, E. F. Duthie, W. Steele, W. G. Baird, C. Conn, and C. J. Hayward. Mr W. H. Allen cabled from England resigning his position as head of the art department in the school.—lt was decided to accept the resignation, and to forward to Mr Allen a letter of appreciation of his services.—The chairman said it would be necessary to obtain a successor to Mr Allen from the Home Country. A discussion took place on the question of the enlargement of the college owing to the increasing number of students.—A letter from the department in Wellington stated that it was “ awaiting a report regarding the stability of the building in respect of earthquakes.” —The chairman said he believed the report would be favourable, as the stability of the building was very good.—The matter was held over pending receipt of the report. Dr Hercus, Otago University, wrote acknowledging the board’s recommendation witn respect to the medical inspection of the students of the college.— Referred to the Appointments Committee. A circular memorandum was received protesting against the amalgamation of the technical and high schools in Napier. —The chairman said this matter would come up at the conference of technical school representatives next month. The chairman and the principal were appointed to attend the Technical Schools’ Conference. .. A circular was; received from the Technical Education Association with regard to the amalgamation of postprimary schools and boards.—A'telegram from the Minister of Education stated: “ It is not. suggested to make this general, but to deal with appointments in cases where economy may be brought about. Technical education will not suffer.”— The correspondence was received. In regard to the examination for plumbers’ .registration, held'-in May, it was reported that - the total of ’nine separate passes were gained by students at the evening class of the college. ' The principal reported: The ° halfyearly examinations commenced on June 17, and will terminate in time for the half-yearly reports to be" sent out about the middle of July. I should like authority to designate holders of first year scholarships as a result of these, examinations. M r W. H. Allen, of the art department, cabled on June 1 that he had finally decided to resign the position. I have written to the Education Department asking whether the board should again advertise in the Old Country. If permission, is obtained, I would suggest that advertisements be sent as soon as possible, and that Mr Allen be asked to act as one of the Advisory Committee, in connection with the appointment. A count of the boys and girls in the school on June 1 shows that of a total of 822 enrolled 32 boys and 31 girls had left. In view of the unusual interest now being taken in questions of employment 1 have analysed the above figures as follows:—Placed in positions—lB boys, 14 girls; transferred to other schools—6 boys, 3 girls; working at home—G boys, 13 girls; left through illness—l girl; reasons not known—2 boys. -The numbers withdrawn are greater than one would expect, but not so great as they were previous to 1930. It is also to be noted that there is greater readiness amongst both girls and boys to accept the first position offered.—The report was adopted.