HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1916, Page 6

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. Hulchep (chairman), 11. Trimble, .1. S. Fox. L. C. Sladdcu, R. W. U. Robertson, T. (.'. Hirst, S. G. Smith, F. W. Atkinson, E. P. Webster and Dr. Fookes. GTRLS' HIGH SCHOOL. Miss F. J. W. Hodges, Principal of the Girls' High School, reported that in the senior department two pupils had left, leaving a total of 78. In the preparatory department, the numbers were unchanged. She was desirous of knowing at what date it would be possible to remove to the new school buildings, as there were examinations to arrange fo: towards the end of the term. " She suggested that an honorarium should be voted to Mr. Blowman. caretaker of the racecourse, in recognition of his kindly services to the school during the occupation of the Jockey Club's buildings. Mr. Blewman had been extremely obliging and helpful. As Miss Hodges understood that the Grounds Committee were .at present considering the planning of the new school grounds, she emphasised the extreme importance of providing for the physical development of the girls, by laying down tennis and croquet courts and a hockey ground. It was recognised In all competent authorities that the physical training of girls was quite as important as the mental training, and no school that neglected this side of education was adequately equipped as an up-to-date school. It. was decided to vote Mr. Blewman an honorarium of £5. In connection with the laying out of the grounds the chairman said that the committee were faced with the difficulty that all the estimates they received were far in excess of the means at the Board's disposal. After some discussion it was decided to leave the matter to the committee already appointed. THE BOY'S SCHOOL Tn the course of his report, Mr. W. H. Moyes, Principal of the Boys' School, stated that the new buildings were rapidly nearing completion, and would be ready for occupation by the end of this term. After giving the matter of the re-arrangement of the boarding department careful consideration, he had come to the conclusion that the best scheme would be to utilise the whole of the present block for dormitories and masters' rooms, and to take seven rooms for himself and family in the new building. This could he'done without any inconvenience to anyone. Besides other advantages, the two buildings would then, afford ample accommodation for 96 boys and (5 masters without overcrowding. Unless some such scheme were adopted, it would be. necessary to increase the domestic staff. Should the Board decide to carry out this suggestion certain minor alterations to the present block would be necessary a rough plan of which he enclosed. The chairman and Messrs. Webster and Robertson, were appointed a committee to discuss the question of reorganisation of the boarding school with Mr. Moyes, and were given power j PREPARATORY SCHOOL REPORT. Messrs Ballantyne and Whetter, Tara naki Education Board inspectors, reported, that they had inspected the school in June. Of GO pupils on the roll. 51 were present. The records had been kept in a satisfactory manner. The regularity of attendance had been under the average, and the punctuality good. The teachers had discharged their duties; in a satisfactory manner. The methods! of teaching adopted were good and were ! applied with satisfactory skill and di- j rcctness. The order, discipline, and tone were satisfactory; and the rooms were in satisfactory order. The Board considered the report satisfactory, THE £2OOO GRANT. In reply to the Board's letter with reference to a grant of £-2000 for the New Plymouth High School Board, to enable it to meet its building engagements, Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister of Education, stated that provision would be made in the Public Works Estimates therefore, in the vote for school buildings. When the estimates had been dealt with by Parliament, the question of making the grant would be submitted to Cabinet foi its further consideration. Some of the members were of opinion that this was only the usual shuffle, and that the grant was as far off as ever. It was pointed out that this was only the usual method of dealing with a grant, and members generally considered that this was the most satisfactory reply they had so far received. GENERAL. The Thames High School asked for certain particulars relative to the agricultural course at the school.—This will be forwarded in accordance with the report submitted by Mr. Moyes. Mr. Moyes reported that so far he had been unable to obtain the services of anyone in place of Mr. Searle, who would" be leaving for camp next month. It was resolved to advertise the vacancy. It was also resolved to call applications for the position of junior mistress at the Girls' High School. Mrs. Sidey resigned her position as matron of the girls' school. The resignation was -.eeepted with regret, and the appointment of a successor was left to the new principal. . _ j The tramways manager notified that it was the Council's intention that High School pupils should enjoy the same concession as other scholars. The Treasury notified payment to the Board's account of £502 8s 4d, being the Board's capitation on free pupils; £193 Ss od, Education Reserves revenue for quarter ending March 31. 1010; also £7o() interim payment on account of free place capitation.