HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 May 1916, Page 3

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING., The ordinary meeting of the New Plymouth High School Board was held last night, when there were present—Messrs D. Hutehen (chairman), H. Trimble, J. S. Fox, L. C. Sladden, S. G. Smith, T. G. Hirst, D. Robertson, F. W. Atkinson and E P. Webster. THE NEW MEMBERS.

The chairman welcomed the two members of the Board—Messrs S. G. Smith and L. C. Sladden—who were taking their seats at the meeting for the first time.

Mr. S. 3. Smith thanked the chairman fcr the welcome, especially as he understood that there had been some controversy about the appointment. He had read with interest the remarks of Messrs Atkinson and Fox at last meeting, but he considered that he was entitled to a seatoovan v a secondary school board owing to his having graduated on primary school committees. He knew what he was on the Board for. and would do his best in the interest of both schools and of secondary education. Had he been a member of a Board and supported -a. recommendation that had been ignored, he would have done as Mr. Atkinson had done—table si dignified protest. He hoped that his term of office on the Board would be marked by useful service in the interests of the school and the cause of education generally. ■ Mr. L. C. Sladden remarked that he was pleased to have the opportunity of taking part in the secondary education of the town.

In reply to the Board's resolution of protest, Hon.J. A. Hanan, Minister of Education, wrote: "With regard to filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Ewing from the Board, I desire to inform you that the position was filled by the Governor- in-Council, in accordance with the Act, and there was no obligation on the part of the Gover-nor-in-Council or the Minister to give effect to the Board's recommendation that Mr. Wilson be appointed thereto." GIRLS' PREPARATORY SCHOOL. The Education Board forwarded the Inspector's report on the work at the Girls' Preparatory School. This showed that the records seen had been kept in a satisfactory manner. The regularity of attendance had been satisfactory, and the punctuality good. The time-table in use was suitable. The pupils had made very fair progress in their work. The order, discipline, and tone were very fair. The room was fairly suitable for school purposes. A few more single desks should be provided. GENERAL. Miss A. M. Porter wrote resigning her position as mistress of the Girls' Preparatory School. Mr. McDonald, one of the masters of the Boys' School, forwarded his resignation, having secured a position in Auckland. The resignation was accepted., The Education Department forwarded amended scheme of 2ontrol in connection with the election of members of the Board by parents. The Education Department forwarded subsidy of £25 on voluntary contributions to the funds of the New Plymouth High School. On the motion of Messrs J S. Fox and Atkinson it was resolved to call tenders for supplies to the scTioo} for next term, and the chairman, Messrs Webster, Fox, and the secretary were appointed a committee to make the necessary arrangements.