HIGH SCHOOL BOARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 304, 20 June 1912, Page 4

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD

I MONTHLY MEETING. i The monthly meeting of the High School Board was held in the secretary's office yesterday, when there were present: Messrs. E. Dockrill, S. PereySmith, D. Hutclien, and H. Eyre-Kenny. Mr. E. Dockrill was voted to the chair in the absence p£ Mr. N. K. MacDiarmidi THE CHAIRMAN'S RESIGNATION. ' Mr. N. K. MacDiarmid wrote intimating that he had taken tim# to consider the communication conveying the very flattering resolution passed at a full meeting of the Board, asking him to withdraw his resignation. "Permit me, gentlemen," he continued, "first of all to say how very highly I value the great compliment you pay me in that resolution, for which I sincerely thank you. After having been so many years associated with the Board, and because of my love for the school and a wish to complete certain works now in hand, I would fain recant, and it appears almost unfriendly of me not to do so. But after what lias recently been said, my j self-respect forbids my again rejoining ! the Board, unless under very special cirI cumstances. While criticism was con- ! fined to nom de plume correspondents I | cared little, but when a newspaper's leading article (in which public opinion is supposed to be expressed) points out. as did the Taranaki Herald, in its parting kick at me, when announcing my resignation, bow I have failed to do m.v duty and how the public are determined to insist upon having the school managed as-they tjiink it should be managed. I would, as I say, be wanting in selfrespect were I to again become a member of the Board. As a governor for over 20 years, I have given of my best to the school, and it is somewhat disappointing now if I am thus up against public opinion. In such case T must retire. for T cannot trim, but I challenge, the Taranaki Herald or anyone else to point out one instance in which I have 'exhibited reluctance to assist in carrying out reforms suggested by the new principal.' Does it not appear strange that seven men, the majority of whom have been endowed with sufficient common sense to become fairly successful in their respective occupations, should so woefully mismanage the affairs of the school as critics would have us believe? For many years the Board was hampered for want of funds, so much so that on one occasion an all round reduction of salaries had to be made, and it was quite impossible to carry out reforms or make much headway. But as the Board's revenue increased, so did the efficiency of the school, and during the past five years one addition or alteration or improvement has followed fast upon another until now I can go out of my office with a clear conscience, feeling that I am leaving the school well staffed, well equipped, and in every way prosperous. I go out, too, after having been nine years your chairman, with the gratification of receiving your unanimous request to come back and resume my position among you, showing that you. at least, have not altogether disapproved of my work. Again thanking you, etc." Mr. Dockrill expressed the opinion that it was a pitv Mr. MacDiarmid should be so thin-skinned as to take notice of comment as appearing in the editorial columns. If tliey all noticed newspaper criticism they might as well go off the face of the. earth altogether. The appointment of a member to fill the vacancy was deferred to a full meeting. THE HIGH SCHOOL BILL. The chairman reported that he had had an interview with the Hon. Mr. Kelly re the High School Bill. It was resolved that the Board acquiesce in the advice tendered by the Hon. Mr. Kelly, that the Board does not do anything in the direction of amending the Bill Mr. D. Hutchen stated that he had brought the question of altering the constitution up first and had not even received a seconder. He was still of opinion that had the Board brought the matter forward itself the Bill would have been got through. HEADMASTER'S RECOMMENDATIONS. The Board then discussed the various suggestions recommended bv the headmaster. It was resolved to appoint a junior assistant at a salary of £BO per annum with board and lodging. The question of reading prayers at the opening of morning school was deferred to a full meeting of the Board, whilst consideration of the establishment of a preparatory school in connection with the High School was deferred for two months.

general. Mr. Pridham wrote stating that his , v j °J absence had now expired, and asked the Board if thev would forward him a testimonial. —lt was resolved that the Board had much pleasure in gwn<» Mr. Pridham a testimonial, and that a committee consisting of the chairnian. and Messrs. Eyre-Kenny and bmitu be appointed to prepare the same. Ihe Treasury notified payment to the Boards account of £37!) 15s sd. being apportionment of the revenue derived from reserves and endowments set apart for secondary education. The Education Department notified receipt of the Board's letter with refei TTire to the usq of free school season tickets on Saturdays, and also receipt of the recommendation for increase of scholarships to £BO per annum. Both these S receive attention. t Tenders for furnishing the new boarding establishment were accepted as fol-lows:-—-Red Pogt Furnishiue Co., furniture, ironmongery, etc., £251 10a 7d; S. B. White and Sons, linen, £Ol 12s fid', subject to slight modification. P, was re3o ' V(l( ' to extend the electnV light to the gymnasium. Accounts to the amount of £2flO 8s 3d were passed for payment.