HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 213, 16 February 1915, Page 3

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The ordinary meeting of the New Plymouth High School Board was held yesterday afternoon. Present: Messrs. E. Dockrill (chairman), W. N. Ewing. M. Fraser, A. McHardy, E. P. Webster, and Dr. Fookcs.

NEW MEMBERS. The Education Department notified that the Governor had appointed Messrs. A. McHardy and E. P. Webster to the vacancies on the Board. The chairman extended a welcome to the new members, and said that he felt 6Ure they would do all they could do to further the interests of the school. Messrs. McHardy and Webster suitably replied.

A RESIGNATION. Mr. D. Hutehen wrote, under date January 22nd, resigning his seat on the Board as from that date. The chairman, after referring to the good work done by Mr. Ilutchen, was about to move that the resignation be accepted with regret, when Dr. Fookes stated that lie had good ground < ,\u' believing that Mr. Hutehen v»:>1 ■] i v prepared to favorably con-n! • i.-.tndraw-ing his resignation. Mr. Hutehen, he added, was a very valuable member of the Board, and was too thoroughly conversant with the work to be spared at present. He moved that the resignation be not accepted, but that a letter be forwarded to Mr. Hutehen, asking him to re-consider it. This was seconded by Mr. Fraser, and carried.

THE GIRLS' SCHOOL. Miss Hodges, principal of the Girls' High School reported that there were now 08 girls in the senior school, and ten in the preparatory department. Twenty-two of the senior pupils had joined this year, and ten were paving fees. She had revised the time-table, so that each teacher might have a fair proportion of the work, and that natural science might be introduced in the first and second years as well as the third, and so that drill might be taken every day. 'Miss Gabrielle Shaw had (undertaken tlic drill of the whole school, and was proving herself an enthusiastic and energetic instructress. The preparatory department had made a good beginning, and the roll of ten should rapidly increase under the control of Miss Shaw. She enumerated a list of requirements, which included new desks and scientific apparatus. At the boarding establishment, the report continued, there were now thirteen boarders, three of whom were weekly boarders. She suggested various improvements at the boarding establishment. The chairman and Mr. Ewing were appointed to interview Miss Hodges, | with power to act. I

■STAFFING THE BOYS' SCHOOL-. Mr. W. H. Moycs, rector of the BoysSchool, pointed out that the attendance at the school now necessitated the appointment of an additional assistant. With an attendance of 141 boys at the High School there were five assistants, whereas the Act stated that there should be one assistant for every twentyfive pupils. He suggested that Mr. Diprose, one of the masters at the Preparatory School, where' there were 59 pupils, should be appointed to the High School, and that one of the ex-pupils of the school should be appointed an assistant at the Preparatory School. On the motion of Mr. \Y. X. Ewing and Dr. Fookes, it was decided to adopt the recommendation of Mr. Moyes, and lie was authorised to make the necessary arrangements. Mr. Moves was also authorised to arrange for the appointment of a gymnastic instructor, and to obtain necessary gymnastic apparatus.

GENERAL. The Treasury notified payment to the Board's account of -C47S 2s 7d. being capitation for the third term of 1014. It with decided to purchase from Mr. Moves tli e piano which the music pupils have utilised during the past two years.

The Mayoress (Mrs. .1. E. Wilson) wrote, thanking the Board for granting a holiday on the occasion of the fete held in Pukekura Park in aid of the Poor in Britain and Belgium Relief Fund.

Mr. L: M. Moiiteath, acting-secretary during the absence of the secretary in England, wrote, than king the Board for their resolution of appreciation of his services.

The Kduea tion Department notified receipt of plans of the Cirls' High School for approval. The Borough Council wrote that, without admitting liability in any way, the Council would grant an allowance of £ls to the Board towards the cost of piping the drains carrying storm-water from the Avenue road, the work to he effected to the satisfaction of the borough engineer. Members expressed the. opinion that it would lie preferable for the Borough Council to do the work, and the chairman was appointed to interview the Council on the matter.

Accounts amounting to £437 4s 2d were passed for payment.