A SCHOOL CONSERVATORY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2568, 31 July 1909, Page 3

A SCHOOL CONSERVATORY

DISCUSSED AT THE GISBORNE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

At last night’s meeting of- the Gisborne School Committee, Mr. G. E. Darton brought up the matter of tree planting and gardens. He said that they had been endeaA r oring to restrict their plantings on Arbor Day to native trees. They had now as good a collection) of native trees as any school in the Dominion, hut the planting of nattive trees was a work that- was not suited to the girls, who did not get the benefit from studv of these trees that tho boys got. He thought the best ‘branch of nature study for the girls was the growing of plants. A great many women did not understand how to grow plants in pots; and he suggested that the --committee mighty set apart a portion of the horse paddo'ek for an experimental garden. Ho would like to soe the girls trained to groAV pot plants, and thought that a small conservatory should he erected. He did not think it would he a great expense, and the 'Committee could go into the matter, -when he would be able to give more particulars. He thought the. girls would feel the benefit in after life, as it would make their homes very different to- what they otherwise might be. Mr. Somervell thought the matter Avould need very serious consideration. Mr. Wildish said the matter should he gone into thoroughly. He thought they should thank Mr. Darton for having broughb tlie matter up. He moA-od that a committee should be appointed consisting of Mrs. Walker, Miss Morice, Messrs Darton and Somervell, and the Rev. W. Grant, to go into the matter and report later on. Mr. G. Spence seconded the motion. The Rev. W. Grant said lie thought it was a good idea, and would be A’ery nice if it could be carried out this spring. Mr. Darton said the matter ivas very new. The only other place Avliere anything like it was carried out Avas in America. He thought the hoys could •put up the building. He Avantcd the children to take it up thoroughly. Ho Avould not like the scheme to- he thrown out because it Avas 'riot gone into anywhere else. . The motion was carried unanimously.