NEW PLYMOUTH TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 November 1915, Page 7

NEW PLYMOUTH TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

PIRECTOR'R REPORT TO EDUCATION BOARD. The Director of Technical Education (Mr. A. Cray) reported: At New Plymouth the evening classes close for the year at the end of the month. The few months during which the compulsory clause lias been in operation have enabled me to see fairly clearly how these classes can be worked to advantage next year. 1 have heard indirectly that some parents have been waiting until they were notified to send their children to the evening classes. These parents .must realise that no notiJication is necessary. The onus of conplying with the regulations rests on them. The day classes will break up for the holidays on December 17.

The visit of the Minister of Education took place on the ,11th inst., and accounts thereof have been duly chronicled in the press. The outstanding feature of the Hon. Hanan's visit was the emphasis he laid on the fact that after the war this country would want producers rather than professional men. The sports will be held in the Recreation Grounds on December 9..

The war is having its effects on this a 9 on all other institutions. The price of materials makes our work more costly, and the absence of so many young men from the country has opened up so many good positions that we have felt constrained to recommend our boys for them, although they have not finished their training. Miss Mikklesen, the newly-appointed dressmaking instructress, took up her duties at the beginning of file month. To the housewifery class Mr. Little, of Messrs Bellringer Bros., gave some most interesting lectures on enamelware, brush,ware and general ironmongery. These all help to make the class more practical.

Already there are indications of a iarge influx of pupils for next year, and I would urge that the necessity for increased accommodation should be kept before the Department.

AGRICULTURE. As Mr. Old's section at Fitzroy is under cultivation we have had to look round for more land for next year. We were fortunate in receiving from Mr. J. Connett an offer for the use of 15 acreS at Corbett road station. This offer, coming as it does at the end of the year, has relieved our minds considerably as to next year's operations. Mr. Connett lias also been very good in allowing us the use of horse 3 and implements during the year. Adjoining our plot there is a poultry farm on a fairly large scale, conducted by Mr. Cameron, who has stated that he will be very willing to give the boys some instruction in up-to-date poultry methods. •Mr. Smith, curator of Pukekura Park, gave the boys a most interesting talk relative to his astronomical and meteorological instruments. It is most inspiring to find farmers so ready to assist us. Mr. Sergei reports as follows:—Since my last report we have been unable to do much on the land at Fitzroy, the weather confining us to do little beyond attending crops already growing. I took the boys to Mr. W. B. Fussell's farm at Lepperton, so that they might see how, with ingenuity and application, waterpower can be harnessed for such useful purposes. It is rarely one sees such a complete plant as Mr. Fussell has, electricity being generated for sheep-shear-ing machines, lighting and other purposes. Mr. Fussell was good enough to let the boys do a little shearing under his supervision. We were treated with much hospitality. In agricultural chemistry we found there is great difference in the solukility oi the various rock-phosphates on the market. We hope to investigate further.

I recommend that tenders be called for the crops of oats, barley and hay at Fitzroy. At outside centres most of the classes have finished for the year. Mr. Sergei reports as follows on farmers' classes: "Since my last report T have lectured at Tikorangi, Kahouri Bridge, I/epperton, Norfolk road. -Ygaerc, Opunake, llurford road, Pembroke road, Kent road and Tariki. At the last place the Government survey party attended my lecture and gave me the opportunity of conversing with them abont the limestone deposit near Opunake. At the Opunake meeting the farmers passed a resolution requesting the Government to send a geologist to investigate, s o that we may know in due course kn«nv definitely-the extent of the fieid."

The report was adopted, and payments amounting to £52 were authorised to »e made to instructors.

AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTOR'S REPORT. Mr. J. G. Ellis, agricultural instructor, reported:—The agricultural work in the primary and secondary schools of the district is being successfully carried on despite the very unseasonable weather that the province has been experiencing for the last two months. Most of the school plots and experimental areas are in a satisfactory condition. In my Inst report to the Chief Inspector, I mentioned that Mr. T. Outlibert, fanner, of Pembroke road, had promised to present a silver shield for competition amongst, the primary schools of the district. Since then Mr. Cuthbcrt has handed the shield over to me, and I have very great pleasure in passing it on to the Board. You will, 1 am sure, be very pleased to receive this very practical evidence of Mr. Cuthbert's keen interest in the work which is being done in. the schools under your control in the matter of agricultural education, and the fitting of those of tin! rising generation, who in the years ahead, will be the farmers of the Dominion. It is proposed that the shield shall, be awarded for (1) the most efficient work in the agricultural course within the schools, and (2) the appearance of the school plot and the educational value of the methods employed, especially with regard to experimental work, and ] propose to present an illuminated tortifieate as a second prize. 1 would respectfully suggest II) that the judging should take place in March or April of laiti: (2) that I should select what I consider the best six or eight schools: (3) that one of'the inspectors and the chairman, or another member, of the Board, should visit those scliools in conjunction with myself and make the final award.

On Friday. November 20, the Hon. the ■Minister of F.dneation visited the Stratford School, and at his invitation I was pleased to explain to him what was beins done in the schools which are under your control. Forty schools are taking an agricultural course, and sixteen are work in"' on a course combining agricultural and dairy science. He was also enablfed to see for himself what was being done at the Stratford District High School, where, in addition to practical work in agriculture, the pupils are bein? instructed In the laboratories! side

of dairy science and are receiving theoretical and practical instruction in horticulture and pomology. The Minister expressed his pleasure at what was being clone and gave me the opportunity of suggesting what more might be done to further popularise the work, which is beginning to be recognised as of paramount importauce and must become increasingly so. 1 have sought to make the circle of those persons interested in the agricultural work of the schools as wide as possible. The teachers and scholars of the schools arc not all who should be interested in it. On some few occasions I have been privileged to meet the committees and parents and have lectured, and I have also solicited gifts of manure, seeds, etc., from merchants and others. I am pleased to report (hat I have met with a ready response, and I hope at your next meeting to be able to supply a, list of the names of those who have helped the work in this manner and have generously donated material to further the end sought. The report was received.

IN COMMITTEE. The -Board went into committee to consider the reports of the inspectors on their work for the last month. Also a report relative to the non-attendance of uncertificated teachers at the Saturday classes. On resuming, the action taken in committee was confirmed.

XEW SCHOOL SITES. Inspector Ballantyne reported that as there were only six children of school age at Kaipikairi road and all these were attending the TJrenui School, no child having to travel more, than 3'/V miles, he considered there was no necessity for the erection of the school asked for.—The report was adopted. Messrs. Spence, Wildcrmotli and Hill, Of Kolmratahi, wrote on behalf of workers on the Main Trunk line relative to the disadvantages of the children owing to there not being a school at which they could attend within a reasonihle distance, and stating that the Marco Road was impassable for eight months in the year, and that it was too much to expect children to walk seven miles a day. They urged that a school should he provided at a more convenient site. The 'Public Works Department had now debarred children from travelling through the Tahora tunnel owing to the danger. There were 39 children ready to attend the school, and there would shortly be 80,. They proposed that a school should be erected, and a teacher provided.

Mr. Masters said he had visited the district, and he could say that the request was absolutely warranted. Children from the Tabora end had now to walk over the' Tabora Saddle. Those going to the Marco Road school would have to travel 3 l / s miles. He hoped that the Board would grant the request and provide a temporary school so that the children should receive the education which was so essential. The matter was urgent. He moved Mat the inspector report on the subject, and if his report be favorable to the establishment of a school at Hurimoana application be immediately made to the Department for the erection of the school. The motion was t-arried.

OVERSEER'S REPORT. Mr. Moore, the Board's overseer, reported:— Upper Mangorei.—We fixed in a cupboard and attended to small repairs. The matter of the lire place was held over.

Te Kiri. Considerable amount of painting and general repairs were attended to at both the school and residence, including new outofliees, entrance gates, and shelter shed. In regard to the shelter shed, the committee were granted £ for £upto £6 10s. On pointing out that £l3 was insufficient a meeting of the committee was held, and they agreed to find £lO on these conditions: We build a new shed using up what sound material there was in the old one. In regard to re-imbursing the late teacher for certain work done, I have gone into the matter as instructed, and after taking into consideration the use the teacher had of the several matters referred to, 1 would recommend that Mrs. Buehlcr be paid £4 as compensation.

Ihaia.—We have built a small recess and placed the stove in this with the flue going straight through the roof. This will give more room, and get over the smoke trouble. Pihama.—We have covered the well at the school with planking. The committee wish to concrete about Sit down and fill in with earth. I have advised their secretary that I am unable to recommend this unless provision is made to ventilate the well. The' residence requires general renovating inside. The committee wish to have proper entrance gates erected and will agree to pay half cost. 1 would recommend this be done whilst we are in the district. Awatuna.—-Wr have in hand the general and painting repairs at the school and residence, also one new outoffice, entrance gates and posts. Also practically a new fence in front of the residence.

I Korn.—As instructed 1 have inspected j this* place in regard to the general renovation, etc.. botli school and residence will require painting inside and out. The residence was left in a very dirty state, at the present time there are 2S panes of glass broken, most of these must have been done since the place was unoccupied. I would suggest that We committee lie asked for an explanation. Whilst on this matter I would respectfully suggest that special clauses of the Act dealing with tin* general conditioos of maintenance and care to be takeii of the school property with teachers iihd. committees liabilty in these matters, lie printed and sent out to all the scliools. in most cases there is a general laxity in small matters and in others there is very little proper care. General.—We are in receipt of a communication from E. Forbes, also a catalogue containing particulars of a newcloset. I would recommend that one he procured as per their offer and give it a trial. The report was received.

Mr. Adlam considered that there was great neglect in having so many windows smashed, and ho advocated some inquiry should be made into the matter. The Board might not get much satisfaction, but the teachers' attention should he drawn to the matter.

Ft was decided to refer the following applications to (he Board's overseer: Hillsborough, new tank; Tarata, repairs to range; Ratapiko. extra window; Frnnlcley, shelter shed : Tuna, washlionse and ontodiccs; Lincoln, repairs; Tcclinieal College, alterations and repairs; Mangahnme, repairs.

CLERICAL ASSISTANCE FOR INSPECTORS. The Department wrote stating that it was considered that the Board should provide clerical assistance for the inspectors tree of charge ts the DaparV

inent as it was necessary to exercise economy.

The secretary explained that the Board had in reply to the Department's inquiry named £3O as the amount chargeable for the work in question. The chairman remarked that the Department evidently wished to exercise economy at some one else's expense. In a short tliscusion it appeared that the amount named by the Board was moderate and should be adhered to.

TEMPERANCE TEACHING. A circular, letter was read from the Minister relative to the teaching of temperance in schools by means of charts. In the course of a lengthy speech, Mr. Chappell strongly \irged' that some action should be taken to carry out the 'Minister's suggestion. He wa.s glad to see that the School Journal had taken the matter up and he moved: "That this Board, in furtherance of the circular received from the Minister of Education concerning temperance teaching in schools, and in the light of the consensus of expert educated opinion as to the reduction of individual and national efficiency occasioned by the use of alcoholic beverages, directs its teachers to give prominence to the temperance wall-sheets, and to include dolinite instruction from them in the general tuition presented under the heading of ''Health," and also requests the inspectors, carrying out tile direction of the Minister as contained in the circular, to make, from time to time, reports to the Board on the measure of efficiency displayed in such definite instruction." The chairman seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. Marfell and carried.

DEARTH OP TEACHERS. •Pursuant to notice, Mr. Chappell moved that the Board correspond with the Education Department and other Education Boards, urging the preparation of a list of retired teachers and other suitable persons who may b« available, in view of the present extraordinary conditions created by the war, to occupy temporary appointments left vacant through enlistments, und not likely to be filled without special effort. In support of the motion, Air. Chappeli said that next year the position would lie exceedingly acute as already t':w dearth of teachers was being felt all over Xew Zealand. He was sure that some of the retired teachers would be available, and it would be advisable to take steps to enable the Department to form a roll of such teachers as would (ill the gap. The motion was wried.

MISCELLANEOUS. Permission was given to the Central and Stratford schools to close on Dec. 2. The Stratford committee wrote protesting against the change in reading books, and desired the Board to urge on the Department the desirability of having uniform school books. —The matter was deferred with the object of considering the whole question, Mr. Chttweli strongly urging a Dominion scheme. The Bell Block committee wrote protesting against the appointment of a female head teacher, and asking that Mr. Mills (Whangamomona) be appointed. The secretary stated that he now tfnderstood the committee was satisfied. —Xo action was taken.

A complaint was made by Mrs. McGee relative to the punishment of her child. The teacher's explanation was read, in which it appeared the child had been wilfully disobedient. —The matter was re> ferred to the chairman for a report. A Tongaporutu parent (Mr. O'Sullivan) wrote asking if the Board allowed settlers to graze cattle in the school paddocks and thereby preventing any feed being available for the children's horses. He also urged that the cattle should be remeved. The chairman of the committee wrote explaining there was ample feed for the children's horses, and Inspector Ballantyne verified the statement.

it was decided to inform Mr. O'Sullivan that the committee was acting in the best interests of the school in grazing cattle. The requests of several teachers for leave of absence were granted. The action of the Tikorangi, Ackland, end Tarurutangi committees in closing their s-hools owing to sickness was confirmed.

The Tututawa committee wrote asking for assistance towards repairing fences. —lt was decided that if the committee provided the labor the Board would supply the material. An application by the Matau committee for assistance towards fencing 10 acres was referred to the chairman to report upon with a view to letting the ground. A circular from the Wellington Education Board, regarding scholarship regulations, was referred to the chairman and Mr. Chappeil for their report. A circular from the Defence Department relative to finding employment for discharged soldiers was read. On the motion of Mr. Masters it was decided to inform the Minister that the Board was in full sympathy with the object, and would do all in its power to assist. It was decided that the applications of technical instructors for increased salary, etc., he referred to the Finance Committee. Accounts amounting to £3328 7s were passed for payment.