HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 171, 18 January 1912, Page 2

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The usual monthly meeting of the High School Board of Governors was held yesterday afternoon, when there were present: Messrs. N". K. MacDiarmid (chairman), Eyre-Kenny, Percy-Smith, E. Dockrill, M. Eraser, and D. Hutchen. The question as to whether Mr. EyreKenny was entitled to sit, as he was holding the position as a substitute, was discussed, and the board decided that they raise no abjection. NEW SCHOLARS. Mr. W. P. Guild, Pungarehu, wrote stating that his son had been attending the Waitara school, hut that he wanted him to attend the High School, and asking if there were room for him as a boarder.—The secretary attended to the matter in the affirmative. Mr. W. A. Brown, Lepperton, wrote stating that Miss Jessie Eeakins, aged I 4y 2 years, and Miss Winnie Openshaw, aged 15 years and one month, will be attending the High School, as they have gained proficifency certificates entitling them to free places. Miss Openshaw will be a paying pupil, as she is over the age entitling her to a free place.— Approved. Mr. W. Jenkinson, New Plymouth, asked the board if his son could attend the High School on his proficiency certificate, although he was seven months over age. He had lost a lot of time on account of being sick.—The board had bo power to accept anyone over the stipulated age. Mrs. Campbell wrote asking if her daughter could attend the school, as she had gained a proficiency certificate two years ago, but as they were then living at Kahotu she was too yountr to be away from home. She was over age. No power to take anyone over age. REFUND ON ADDITIONS. Mr. J. Sanderson wrote giving an estiof additions made to the residence; by Mr. Pridham, mating the total £3l. After some discussion as to the legality of the board paying an amount for additions paid .by the Principal, it was decided to refer the matter to the boards solicitor. NEW BUILDING. Mr. Messenger, architect, was instructed to make provision for two bedrooms for servants in the new building. It was decided that the architect call tenders for a concrete building, and also to attend to such details as he deems necessary.

PRINCIPAL'S REQUESTS. Mr. Moyes, the newly-appointed Principal, attended the meeting, and drw the board's attention to several matters which he considered would be for the benefit of the school. He pointed out that uniforms would be an improvement for the boys, as they would be cheaper, could be more easily kept clean, and were healthier. It was decided to leave the matter in Mr. Moyes' hands. A draft of the prospectus was discussed, and Mr. Moyes was entrusted to attend to the printing* of it. • Mr. Moyes pointed 6ut the advantage of having the 'boys and girls separated, the same as is done; at other High schools, and the matter was left to him to dfeal with. The Principal asked if he might have morning .prayers in the school. It was usual in other schools, and exemptions could be granted to children whose parents' objected. It did not mean religious teaching. The chairman and some of the members approved of it, while some thought the time not yet opportune. ~ . there was hot a full meeting at the time of discussion, no resolution was P u t. and the matter was deferred. The board agreed to the wearing: of gowns in the school. Mr. Moyes said he intended to start a magazine, and would like the board to consider a grant towards it. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. On the motion of Mr. Eyre-Kennv seconded: by Mr. Dockrill, Mr. MacDiarmid was re-elected chairman. All the members spoke eulogistically of the chairman's ability in ruling, and his tact and conciliatory attitude when dealing with matters of business. Mr. MacDiarmid thanked the- members for the compliment, _and although he thought he had 'been long enough at it he would continue to do his best for the school. ' GENERAL. In reply to the secretary, a letter was received from the Education Department stating that they had no record of the Governor, appointing Mr. EyreKenny a member of the board. The chairman reported that the tennis courts had been attended to, the matter having been Wft in his hands. It was decided to accede to Mr. Ward's request for payment of wages to two girls. Accounts amounting ,to £l7O 15s 8d were passed for payment! '