TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1921, Page 4

TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

QUESTION OF CONTROL. BOARD OF MANAGERS SUGGESTED, A special meeting of the New Ply. mouth Technical College Advisory Board was held last night to meet a committed from the Taranaki Education Board, con. sisting of Messrs. P. J. H. White H Trimble, S. G. Smith, M.P. and R. Deare for the purpose of discussing the forma, tion of a board of managers for th« Technical School. These were present! Messrs. G. H. Dolby (chairman), J. S Connett, C. Center, F. Duckworth, IL Baily F. S. Cobham, W. G. Reid and G. H. Blackhall. Air. Dolby (chairman of the Advisory Board) placed the position before tlid committee. Tn the past the Advisory Board knew that they were a body with no power, and consequently the interest of the members of the board was lacking. As a board of managers with full powers of administration, and full responsibility for the progress of the school, interest would quicken and bo maintained. He also asked what the financial position and responsibilities would be if such a board were formed. Air. P. J. H. White (chairman of the Education Board) went into the financial position, and explained the method of finance under the new regulations issued in 1920.

Mr. A. L. Moore (director of the school) was asked to give his views, and said that one of the arguments for a board of managers was that a local institution should be managed by a local board, who would have special interest in the progress and development of the school. ioack of interest in the progress and working of the school was soon communicated to the staff and pupils, to the detriment of the institution. With a live responsible body the reverse process would operate. Mr. Trimble said that he was opposed to the formation of boards of managers because it would mean that similar schools at Hawera, Stratford and New Plymouth would be in opposition, and for that reason would be better worked under one board. He thought, however, that the pupils attending these schools should have, if possible, power to elect representatives on the Education Board. He asked if the school had suffered by being under the Education Board. Mr. Dolby replied that it was not that the school had suffered, but rather that it would possibly have made greater progress under a board of managers. Air. S. G. Smith said that the position would not be improved if they were constituted a board of managers, as they would still be controlled by the department at Wellington, and would not even have the power to appoint a relieving teacher. To his mind the real reason for the lack of progress was the want of a better site with playing fields, school buildings and hostel accommodation.

Mr. Cobham said that he thought Air. Trimble’s reason for not establishing a board of managers was weak in that no serious opposition could arise between schools situated so far apart as Hawera, Stratford and New Plymouth, but a spirit of competition would doubtless arise which would be good. The nee*t of the moment was vocational training, and this what a properly composed board would stimulate. Mr. .1. S. Connett said that be had not gone into the financial aspect, but agreed that more interest must be created in the work and progress of tha school.

Air. Mliite said that the Education Board administered this school, and gave it all ;he attention possible. There was ao neglect of the part of the board, but it must be remembered that it was only one school among a very large number • of others, and the board could not be expected co concentrate its attention upon it. He would favor any scheme that . would increase the interest and make for the progress of the school. Mr. Blackhall said that Mr. White's admission that the Education Board could not concentrate on the school was a distinct argument in favor of a board of managers, whose duty would be solely with the one institution. If such a board of managers could increase the usefulness of the school it would be worth while. If Hawera and Stratford had agricultural facilities, why was New Plymouth behind in supplying them? It was a matter for arousing public interest. Air. Dolby thanked the committee for their attendance and assistance they had given in the deliberations. Mr. Smith suggested that the Advisory Board should submit a scheme for the betterment of the school. Air. White, in replying to Mr. Dolby, said that he was sure there was a big future before New Plymouth and the Technical School. As New Plymouth was the. largest town in the district, and was still growing, the numbers should be double those at present in attend a nee.