HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 102, 20 October 1911, Page 7

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

1 MR. PRIDIIAM RESIGNS. (Tlie monthly meeting of the Now Ply. mouth High School Board of Governors I was held at the office, of the secretary I (Mr. W. Bcwley) on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. X. K. MacDiarmid (chairman) presided, and there were also J present Messrs. if. Fraser. E. Dockrill, |D. Hutchen, Dr. Fookee, and Mr. 11. Eyre-Kenny. An apology was received from Mr. ,S. Percy-Smith. In reply to a "letter from Mr. G. A. Adlam with reference to the marking of the school roll, Mr Pridhnm wrote that all pupils, whether arriving by train or otherwise, who were not present when the school roll was called were marked "absent." If they arrived later in the day the "absent" mark was changed to one denoting "late." Th* number of times absent or late during a term was entered in the term's report—A copy of this letter will be forwarded to Mr. Adlam.

The Education Department notified payment to the board's credit of £lO 4s Id by capitation on account of secondary school classes at the school for the period from January 31 to April 26. Subsidy amounting to £0 15s lOd was also paid for the period from May 25 to August 22. Mr. Pridham, principal, wrote: "I beg to give you notice that I intend to retire from the position that I now hold as principal of the New Plymouth High School, and I would ask that I be released from my duties not later than June 30. 1912. This early notice of my intention will give the board ample time for the appointment of my successor."

The chairman said this h.ul not, come as a shock to the board. They had been expecting it, and he would move that the resignation bo accepted as at and from June 30, 1912, and that the board place on record its appreciation of the faithful work performed by Mr. Pridham during the thirty ycars'hc had been principal of the school, and that lie he granted Bix months' leave of absence as from December 31 next on full pay. Mr. Eyre-Kenuy seconded the motion. Mr. Dockrill spoke in high terms of praise of the excellent work of Mr. Pridham. He referred to the success of pupils of the school, and said, notwithstanding what some people might assert, Mr. Pridham had not been a failure. The motion was carried. It was further decided that advertisements be inserted in one paper of each of the following centres:—Auckland, Wellington, Christehurch, Dnnedin, Sydney, and Melbourne, inviting applications for the position at £450 per annum with residence, the successful applicant to commence his duties on February 1, 1912. applications to be in by December 14 next.

The question of providing suitable accommodation for the uniforms of the cadets was referred to the chairman and Mr. Eyre-Kenny to deal with as they think best. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Hutohon, to hold a special meeting of the board to take into consideration the reserves pwned by the board and discuss whether funds could be raised on these reserves for the purpose of establishing a separate girls' school and boarding establishments. Mr. Dockrill gave notice of motion that the board also discuss at this meeting the questions to be brought Wore the proposed conference with reference to the Opaku reserves, and that a committee be appointed to promote the conference and represent the board.