Feiiding Agricultural High School

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7285, 12 October 1933, Page 3

Feiiding Agricultural High School

BOARD OF MANAGERS MEETING. The Board oL' 'Managers of the i’cilding Agricultural High School met last evening, Mr. J. Knight (chairman) presiding. There were also present: Alessrs. A. C. Buist, J. B. Stuart, J. S. Tingey, W. W. Andrews, W. Challis and Mrs. J. E. Barltrop, Proposing the re-election of Air. Knight as chairman, Mr. Tingey took the opportunity to eulogise the work of the retiring chairman who had demonstrated in a practical manner his enthusiasm for the advancement of the school.

Air. Andrews was happy to support the motion, likewise paying a tribute to Air. Knight's interest in the school. This, lie said, had played a large part in the school at long last acquiring a farm property of its own.

Air. Buist supported the remarks of the previous speakers, stating that the school was indebted to Air. Knight for the valuable help he had accorded the institution. The speaker found it difficult to express adequately the appreciation of the school of the practical help accorded by Mr. Knight in furthering its welfare.

Mr. Knight was unanimously re-elect-ed and in returning thanks said that lie was deeply interested in the progress of the school which lie realised was fullilliug an important role in the national life of the country.

On the motion of Air. Knight, Air. Buist was unanimously elected vicechairman.

Touching upon the retirement of Mr. A. Williamson, the chairman felt that the occasion was one on which the board should record its appreciation of his services. This member had always manifested a deep interest in the school and was ever ready to dfler his services on behalf of the institution.

Mr. Challis supported the motion, and at his instigation it was resolved to forward a letter of appreciation to Air. Williamson.

The Old Pupils’ Association wrote intimating that it was prepared to assist in the furnishing of the assembly hall and offered to make itself responsible for providing the seating accommodation.

The chairman had pleasure in moving a veto of thanks to the old pupils for their splendid offer which was deeply appreciated. * Air. Tingey said it was most, gratifying to note that old pupils were taking such a practical interest in the advancement of the school. Alembers of the association were to be commended for their self-sacrificing activity on behalf of the school.

Notification was received from the Feiiding Borough Council regarding the water supply for the school baths, intimating that the baths could bo filled as often as convenient without any increase in the charge.

The principal said that, the arrangement was an improvement on what had been the practice in the past, but he would lilted to have seen something more. As far as the school was concerned, the matter was one of finance, it being difficult for the school to meet the cost which amounted to £IS.

It was agreed to thank the council for its consideration of the representations of the board. Official intimation of the renomination of Air. J. S. Tingey as representing the AVanganui Education Board, on the Board of Alanagors was received from the secretary of the Wanganui Education Board.

The Board of Governors of the Palerstoa North High School wrote congratulating the school on receiving the donation of an assembly hall. The principal said that very cordial relations existed between the two schools and it was very nice to receive such congratulations,

The school account balance-sheets were received from the Audit. Department certified correct without any ‘' tags. ’ ’ Report of Principal. The principal, Air. L. J. Wild, reported as follows:—The school rc-opened for the third term on September 12. The roll number has now fallen to 213, as a number of pupils have obtained positions or are required at homh. Attendance lias been seriously affected recently by the prevailing epidemic of influenza. An unusually large number of pupils arc candidates for ihc entrance examination, which fact illustrates the undue importance attached to the examination, the main function of -which is that of qualifying for entrance to a University course, which very few pupils arc likely to take. Unfortunately. it is regarded as a sort of leaving certificate, but it is very inadequate for that purpose. All the games clubs had very successful seasons during the winter and play reached a high standard. The annual athletic sports will be held on October 18. and the paper chaso on Friday. In accordance with the traditional custom the paper chase is ail inter-house run, every runner scoring points in proportion to his final place. The Farm Report,

The school area is looking extremely well at present. The thirty acres of grass are carrying 30 cattle, including J. 5 milking cows and about TO sheep. Most of this grass was soft turnips, Italian ryegrass, and cowgrass for hay, and If acres for vetches for seed. Work on the new farm is already well in hand. There was about 20 acres in. oats when wo took possession, and we have since got in 50 acres of wheat, while altogether about 25 acres remain to be put down in turnips or sown down in grass with rape. A start has been made on clearing the gorse on the Sandon road frontage, the steeper faces of which will be planted next winter with pines, and eucalyptus now being raised in our own beds. It is not intended to attempt much in the reconstruction of fences till next year when we shall have the benefit of the experience of a season. All live stock are doing* well. The

cattle are in great condition and milking well. The lambing has been very good as the following percentaggs show, the figures being the percentages of lambs docked to ewes turned out in the autumn: Southdown stud, 90 per cent.; Romney .stud, 100 per cent.; Ryeland stud, 133 per cent.; crossbred, 123 per cent.

The pigs will be represented in the Palmerston Forth Show and a team including all classes of livestock is being got ready for the. Auckland Royal >Show' s