TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2251, 24 July 1908, Page 3

TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

NEED FOR A COURSE IN AGRICULTURE.

At a meeting of tlie Board of Governors of the District Higli School held yesterday, Mr, C. A. DeLautour presiding, a letter was received from tho Hawke’s Bay Education Board, inquiring if it was intended to renew, ■the subsidies on the salaries of the secondary assistants at the High School, as in the event of any change being decided upon it would be necessary ; to give the teachers three months’ notice. Mr. DeLautour mentioned that he had been informed that- Air. G.- Hogben, Inspector-General, thought it would be a good thing if the Board discussed with him tlie need for further advancing the technical work of tlio school. The cost of the school had been coming down gradually, because the capitation fees wero ' grooving larger. It was the duty of the Board to extend the teaching of the technical school so, that it would be of benefit to sons of farmers in this district, and some scheme might be devised whereby that could be done. The question was one of finance, but lie felt the school was not getting a full attendance from boys alter they, passed the sixth standard. The Board had a reserve fund of about £3850,' as well as tlie Te Manilla e)ir dowment, or a total revenue of about £SOO per year. '• Mr. Nolan asked why the Board could not continue 'as at present. Air. DeLautour: But if we do we are not doing justice to the sons of farmers. AA’liy should not tlie Education Board take over the cost- of secondary education, as is done .in other places? If we had an instructor in agriculture we ought to he able to get twenty pupils wjio would lie eager to obtain a knowledge of grasses, seed-sowing, aud agricultural chemistry. Air. Matthews said tlie letter could not be replied to until the Board had considered tlie position, and moved that a committee consisting of Atessrs DeLautour, Nolan aud Bright be set up to prepare a report. Air. Nolan said be would like to 6ee tlio finance for tlie scheme before doing anything. Mr. DeLautour: AVe could lay our plans before Air. Hogben. Air. Bright: AVe should lmvo our minds made up before we meet Air. Hogben. Tlie issue is a narrow one, and means that we will carry oil as at present or. enlarge the work : 'of the school. . Air. DeLautour: It would be excellent for sons of farmers to have an opportunity; to obtain a knowledge of farming. , hO _ Air. Nolan: But is the Board justified in.going to the expense? ;; A short discussion then took place as to the salary that would have to ho paid to an instructor and liis liosition in relation, to the Other teachers, and it was decided that the committee report- on tho position at a meeting of the Board to bo liejd next Friday.