BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1922, Page 5

BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

MORE CLASS-ROOMS NEEDED. THE MINISTER APPROACHED. A special meeting of the New Plymouth High Schools Board was held yesterday to meet the Minister of Education (Hon. C. J. Parr) during his brief visit to New Plymouth, and to lay before him certain matters in connection with the Boys’ High School. There were present: Messrs. L. C. Sladden, L. A. Noteii, E. P. Webster, S. G. Smith, M.P. (members of the board) and Mr. W. H. Moyes (principal). In the unavoidable absence of the chairman (Mr. J. S. Fox) Mr. L. C. Stedden explained the board’s requirements. , It was with diffidence the board approached the Minister, said Mr. Sladden, but the school was increasing in numbers and the present class-rooms were consequently being found inadequate. Since the original building was finished two more class-rooms had been added, and two more were needed to complete the block. Mr. Moyes, in answer to Mr. Parr, said the roll number was 300, an increase on last year of 30. The pupils were drawn from all parts of New Zealand. The boarding roll was 160, there having been no increase there because the accommodation was fully taxed. The difficulty in arranging classes was largely caused by the big third forms, which this year numbered 115 boys. Mr. Sladden, continuing, said that the matter of extra class-rooms was the most urgent necessity. No application had been made to the department for a grant, as the board was aware of present conditions, but attention had been drawn to the matter in order that the Minister might give it consideration when the application was made. An estimate made some time ago for the two class-rooms required was £2042, but the present estimate was £l9OO. In answer to the Minister’s query as to whether the school had any endowments, Mr. Stedden answered in the affirmative, saying the capital value of these totalled £47,860, the revenue derived being about £lOOO a year. The leases would expire in about five to s«x years. At the present time the board was not getting the full value for these endowments.

Mr. Parr said the reason he asked the question was because he thought a way out might be found in that direction. Of course the department would have to pay interest, so the matter was as broad'as it was long.

Other matters brought before the Minister’s notice were the laundry at the boys’ school, the need for which was now greater than ever, and an additional grant of £2OO for expenses incurred in putting a brick basement in the wooden block. A grant amounting to £6OO had already been made, but the work had cost £BOO.

In reference to the need for mor? class-room*. Mr. Moyes further pointed out that the sixth form had grown in numbers to 29 and could not now be accommodated in one of the smaller rooms. There were altogether nine large class-rooms and two smaller ones. The Minister, in reply, said he would have to obtain a report from one of his officers before a grant could be made for the class-rooms required. He was unable to pronounce any opinion upon the matter yet. Speaking in regard to grants to schools generally. Mr. Parr said the matter was fraught with the gravest difficulty and he, as Minister of Education, was “up against it.” He hoped to get enough to carry out additions for primary schools where gross uver-crowding was taking place, whilst the nack-blocks districts also required help. Little or no money was being granted at present for new secondary schools or additions to secondary schools. As the board hqd satisfactory endowments he saw no reason why the Public Trustee should not be approached for a loan. Their income would be doubled in five or six years’ time. All this was, of qourse, subject to a favorable report being given; meanwhile he would make no promise. Maybe £l3OO would be sufficient for their needs, but nothing could be done unless the needs were urgent. It was a question if the laundry was urgently required. In regard to the extra £2OO for expenses incurred in putting in a brick basement. Mr. Parr said he would see what could be done. He was also looking into the question of teachers salaries. , Mr. Sladden mentioned that the old boys of the school proposed raising a sum of money for building a gymnasium. Wfts'Were any chance of a subsidy on the money raised? Mr.' Parr replied that the subsidy regulations were being altered, but if a memorandum were sent him later he would see what could be done. Mr. Sladden then thanked the Minister for his attention and the meeting terminated.