FEILDING TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9083, 25 February 1908, Page 4

FEILDING TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

A meeting of committee was held last night. Present: ..Messrs E. Goodbehere (chairman), Trewin, Bramwell, Heald, Pirani, Montgomery, Brown, Mayo. The Peilding Master Builders’ Association sent a donation and stated that Mr Heald would bo their representative. G. D. Braik, chief inspector, wrote, stating that Mr Grant of Wanganui would take charge of the Technical School until the arrival of Mr Fossey, and that a commercial instructor would be appointed at a salary of £3OO, including travelling expenses. Mr G. Wheeler wrote, asking whether all meetings were held in the evening. It was stated that the Manawatu County Council representative'(Mr Masters) also desired that the meetings be held during the day.—lt was decided that in future the meetings be held on the second Friday in afternoon and second Tuasday in the evening alternately each month. The Supervisor submitted the following suggestions re classes for approval:— "Feilding, Trade classes : Building construction and architectural drawing, staircasing and handrailing, plumbing practice and theory, mechanical drawing. Commercial classes: Book-keeping, junior and advanced, shorthand (Pitman’s), typing, business correspondence .and office routine, commercial law. Domestic classes: Practical dressmaking, practical millinery, cookery and domestic economy. Agricultural classes. A course covering instruction (specially designed for those engaged in farming pursuits), in chemistry as adapted to agricultural requirements ; botany, having a special bearing on grasses ; milk testing and milk analysis, practical arithmetic, mensuration, and elementary surveying as applicable to farm management. General classes: English, drawing and painting, arithmetic, wood carving, Latin, amateur carpentry, mathematics.

Given the necessary support from pupils, all the above classes can be successfully run under very capable instructors. In connection with the trade classes, I would suggest that endeavours should be made to obtain a conference between employers in the various trades plumbing and building, and representatives of the committee. The chief objects of such a conference would bo to enlist the interest ofpho employers in the work, receive suggestions from them as to courses of instruction, and get them to encourage apprentices and other employees to obtain the benefits of technical education by attending the classes.

A similar endeavour with employers of clerical assistance might also be adopted. Nine cases of scientific apparatus and chemicals have arrived, as have also three cases of casts for the art room. I have applied for furniture for the building as detailed in the. correspondence, and hope that at least some of it will be in place on opening day. Even if the laboratory fittings arenot in the room, I would suggest that the science equipment be suitably arranged to show visitors the thorough lines on which the building is supplied with apparatus. Regarding the fitting of the plumbing room, it is customary to make plumbing students provide a considerable portion of the tools for themselves. Melting pots and several sets of lead working tools will, however, be available for class use. A portable forge and anvil in the plumbing room would he of much service. If typewriting classes are to be formed, half cost of the typers will have to ho provided locally, as the Department makes no grant for the machines.

I find that throughout the district a great deal of misapprehension exists regarding the conditions attaching to holders of “free places” at technical schools. It would be well were the full conditions bearing on these “free places” made known to the public. I would like to suggests that, as an advertisement of the work being done, an exhibition of practical work in say, cookery, carpentry, plumbing, science, and perhaps other subjects, be given on the opening evening. The details could be easily arranged. Foxton. —I met the local school committee at this place on Friday last. They keenly desire technical classes to be established there, and suggest a commencement in dressmaking, mechanical drawing, steam and the steam engine, shorthand, English, arithmetic. Suitable arrangements can be made for instructors for all of these classes. In all probability the old school of four rooms in Foxton will be renovated and turned into technical accommodation. Mr Braik, Chief Inspector, approves of this. Ashhurst.— There is every prospect of classes in English, arithmetic, shorthand, book-keeping and dressmaking being successful at this centre, as Mr Andrews takes a keen interest in the work.

Apiti.—Dr. Gregory and Mr Mathews are very enthusiastic _ in working up interest in technical classes at Apiti. A desire is expressed for instruction in dressmaking, book-keeping, English, arithmetic and painting. Kimbolton. —Classes in dressmaking and practical tiusmithing might be run here. Mr Poole has kindly offered the free use of a room for the latter class should it start.

Bunny thorpe.—Little interest is evinced in classes here. A dressmaking class might be successful. I have not visited Rongotea or Pohangina, but a letter from Mr Murdoch, of the latter place, indicates the probability of classes in dressmaking and continuation subjects there. It was decided to appoint Mr Staunton teacher for the two firstnamed trade classes and Mr Woods for the plumbing class, and to hold over consideration of appointment of mechanical drawing teacher. The commercial instructor will take the four commercial classes except typing and shorthand. It was stated that three typewriters were required for these classes. A member of the committee offered to provide one and it was decided to make a request to local business men to provide the two others. The cost of each will be £l6.

It was left to the acting director to call applications for teachers for the dressmaking, millinery, drawing, painting, typewriting, and shorthand classes. Messrs Trewin, Montgomery, Carty, Pirani and the chairman

were appointed to deal with the applications." Mr Ritchie was appointed teacher of mathematics and chemistry and Miss Wyatt of English and arithmetic ; Mr Bannister of amateur carpentry and Mr Andrews of carving and metal work.

It was left to Mr Grant to arrange the opening of the agricultural classes. Messrs Heald, Carty, Montgomery, and the chairman were appointed to hold a conference with building employers and others, to enlist 'their interest in the classes. The acting director stated that children who had obtained a certificate of proficiency in Standard 6 are entitled to two years’ free education in either a secondary school or a technical school, but the child could not attend the one and then change to the other. But such children must pay for instruction in arithmetic and English, if taken," It was suggested that the classes be opened on the 16th£March. The chairman’s offer to give 8r silver key for the opening of theschool by the Minister was accepted with thanks. The matter of entertaining "the; Minister was referred to the committee.