TRAINING COLLEGE FOR TEACHERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 33, 8 February 1905, Page 5

TRAINING COLLEGE FOR TEACHERS.

■ TO BE ESTABLISHED AT WELLES-LEY-STREET SCHOOL. The question of the establishment of a training college at Auckland was again discussed by the Education Board to-day. The chairman stated that he was opposed to the Wellesley-street school being used as a training college, because it was an unsuitable building, and if a college were established there it would mean a permanency. The Government had promised a vote for a building, and he was led to believe that there was a possibility of a sum being granted, after March 31, from next year's vote. Mr Bagnall moved that application be made to the Education Department fox sufficient funds to establish a training college at Wellesley-street school. He was opposed to any delay in the matter, and said that there was not the slightest chance of tile Government taking the money out of unauthorised expenditure, and a grant could not be got before next session. He did not agree that the Wellesley-street school was unsuitable, and stated that the roll number of the school was diminishing, and would continue to diminish, by reason of its situation. Mr H. J. Greenslade said that they already waited a long time, and it would be better to wait a little longer and endeavour to influence the Auckland members to induce the Government to grant the necessary funds to erect a new before proceeding with the matter. He was not' inclined to agree with those who thought that the whole of the Wellesley-street school would be absorbed, and it would not be right to give them three months' notice after long and faithful service. Mr Hobbs supported Mr BagnaU'a motion. Certainly there was some cause for alarm among teachers by reason of Mr Petrie's suggestion, but he thought that pensions could be made for all of them. He was opposed to any further delay in the matter. Mr Stallworthy said that there was urgent need for a training school for teachers, especially for those drafted to the country districts, and he supported the motion. Mr Edgcußibe also supported the motion, as did Mr McKenzie. The chairman said that they should try to get an up-to-date building, and declared that if Wellesley-street school were once occupied it would continue as the training school, and there would be no chance of getting a really suitable building. The poor building in which the Technical School was housed was an instance of what would happen. In replying, Mr Bagnall said that half a loai; was better than no bread, and if they could not get a new building they should take what they could get. The motion was carried, Messrs Luke and Greenslade being the only dissentients. It was decided to inform the Wellesley-street school teachers in, re- ! ply to their memorial that the Board would conserve their interests.