BARTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9121, 14 April 1908, Page 5

BARTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

A meeting of the committee of above was held last evening. Pesent: Messrs J. J. McDonald (chairman). Purnell, McEldowney, Dolby, Richardson, Mossmau, Little, the Rev. D. Gordon and Mr Wilkes, local director. Mr E. Newman was granted leave of absence. The question of linoleum for the cooking room was held over. The director reported that the following classes had been begun : Singing, 10 pupils; carpentry, 8; wood-carving 10, millinery 6, dressmaking 15. The following letter from Mr 0. B. Collins, LI 8., Martou, was read by Mr Purnell:—“l understand tiiat a commercial class ia to be formed in connection with the local technical school and it has occurred to me that it might be an advantage to the class and make it more attractive to prospective members of a course of lectures on commercial law were given by a practising lawyer. I am prepared to act as honorary lecturer for this year and I authorise you to so inform the Education Board. This offer is intended as a modest contribution to the cause of education, myself having had the benefit of the Dominion’s system.” It was pointed out that Mr Collins had obtained first-class honours in contracts, torts, company law and international law and would, therefore be likely to prove a most efficient instructor. The course would prove most valuable to those who were studying for the accountants’ examination which includes commercial law among the necessary subjects. A very hearty vote of thauks to Mr Collins was passed and the director was instructed to arrange for a class.

The director reported that the agricultural and dairying classes would begin their course after Easter and that the book-keeping class under the Board’s instructor (Mr Cox) would be begun shortly.

Subsequently the school committee meeting was held. Present: Mr J. J. McDonald (chairman), Bov. D. Gordon, Messrs Richardson, S. J. Davenport, Dolbj. The headmaster reported on attendance ; Average roll 241, average attendance 233, percentage for quarter 96. Secondary classes roll 28, attendance 22, average 80 per cent. Accounts were passed for payment.