HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 266, 20 April 1915, Page 5

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

-MOXTJII.Y MEETING. The usual monthly meeting of the Board of Governors of the New (Plymouth High School was held last night, there being prehenr Vr-.iv. E. Doric* rill (chairman). W. ,\. Ewing, IJ. Eraser, 1). llutchen, E. P. Webster, A. Mc--1 lardy, and Dr. Fookes. PREPARATORY SCHOOL, The inspection report on the work Of the preparatory department stated that the records had been satisfactorily kept, regularity and punctuality of attendance good, time-tables suitable. '. The work seen fcave evidence that the teaching and supervision had been satisfactory; order, discipline and tone good, and the rooms were in good order.—-Received.

fIIBLS' SCHOOL, The head mistress of the Girls' School (Miss Hodges) reported the roll number was now <57 in the senior department, and 10 in the junior department. A new sink was required in the laboratory, and a microscope for botanical work. Only a small part of i"o playground was usable in damp weather, and not enough space available for drill or games. The area could be enlarged by clearing the glass from the ground not actually garden, levelling the surface and gravelling. She asked for a grant of £5 per term for sports purposes. The health of the boarders had been good. The cracked chimney was dangerous. She suggested that the teachers should be asked to take a share in escort duty, 110 girl being allowed to go out alone. Miss Hodges attended the meeting, and verbally reported on several matters. It was decided to clear the grass from the yard at the Girls' School; to procure the microscope asked for; tM the chairman be authorised to have the sink put in, provided there is no immediate prospect of the money for the new school, and that £5 per term be granted for sports purposes. It was also resolved that the other • teachers of the Girls' School bo asked to.assist in escort duty. i The chairman was authorised to irf-< quire into the account for a tennis net. BOYS' SCHOOL. The principal of the Boys' School reported:— Gymnasium,—The new apparatus (military horse and parallel bars) had arrived, and been fitted up, both being in every way satisfactory. School Grounds.—ill the paths .near the buildings, had been graded and tar- - red. The work was now completed, ex- • cept the drain carrying the roof water from the preparatory school, for which no provision was made when that portion of the school was built. The matter requried attention. Drains.—These should be overhauled. The water pressure was insufficient. Library.—The new bookcase was now ready hut more accommodation was required for the preparatory school books. A further grant of £2O was asked for, though a much larger sum could and should be spent on that important branch of the school. Chemicals.—The stock ordered from London had not arrived, and all work in connection with practical science had stopped. A recommendation was made that the board should procure the chemicals locally, or in Wellington. Cricket Ground.—Top-dressing wafl needed. Soil had been offered for the purpose, and authority for carting same was asked. , School Photographs.—A school group had been taken, and authority was asked for permission to have a photograph framed, and hung in the dining-room, th» board paying the cost of framing. Tiie question of drainage at the preparatory school was left in the chairman's hands. Mr. Swing was authorised to deal with the want of water pressure. The grant of £2O for library was authorised, the Government to be asked for a subsidy. The chemicals and apparatus required were ordered to bd procured at once in the Dominion. ■ Tlxe question of carting earth was referred to Mr, Ewing, with power to act-* the .expenditure not to exceed £5. Mr, Ewing was asked to report on the request for a photograph frame, and other minor matters.

THE ELUSIVE LOAN. ■A letter was read from the 'Minister, stating that owing to the exigencies of the time he was unable to supply the £4OOO for the Girls' School building this year. He also intimated that the plans were too costly. The chairman suggested that the Government should guarantee the amount, and agree to pay the interest, so that the board might be »Mi> in *ecurc the money aa it was required until the Gev> eminent advance was available. CORRESPONDENCE. The Department wrote, asking for information relative to the school.—Supplied. The Secretary for Education wrote, j notifying the grant of £485 (£ or £ subsidy) for the new gymnasium and hall.—Received. l

The Education Department wrote, notifying that Mr. LyoVapplication fdr the transfer of his daughter's free place scholarship from the High School to the Technical College had been declined. The Department forwarded £SO iot rent of the Girls' School. The town cleric notified that the council had decided'fo submit to auction the lease of sections 37, 38, 30, 40 and 41, Avenue Road Reserve, at the upset rental of £3O. Messrs. Roy and Nicholson forwarded the opinion of Mr. H. D. Bell, K.C., to the effect that the board could hold leasehold land and build thereon. The chairman was authorised to bid at the sale. The Public Trustee wrote, inquiring if the hoard could fix a date when the £6OOO would be required, as the money could not be held up indefinitely.—lt was deidod to reply that the board would make arrangements by its next meeting as to the dates and amounts required. . Mr. Hursthouse wrote, offering three sections for sale at the back of the school playing field.—After considerable discussion, it was decided that Messrs. Webster and Hutchen be a committee to interview Mr. Hnrsthouse on the matter. Mr. J. C. Meredith wrote, on behalf of the Ohura settlers who visited New Plymouth recently, thanking tho board for the courtesy extended to them whe* insnecting the school. The Director of Technical Education wrote relative to fees payable in respect of classes.---After considerable discussion, Mr. Eraser moved that the capitation fees allowed by the Government ( £6 10s) be paid to' the Technical College.—lt was also decided that' £2C be paid in respect of the commercial classes. GENERAL. i Mr. Hiitchen was appointed to the Reserves Committee in place of Mr. Gray. Several applications relative to accounts were dealt with. Miss Drew wrote thanking the board for increase in salary. Account} amounting to £9141 10s 7d were passed for payment.