TECHNICAL CLASSES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 54, 25 November 1946, Page 5

TECHNICAL CLASSES

LACK OF ACCOMMODATION

SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S DECISION

At the last meeting of the Whakatane School Committee, the subject of the acute lack of accommodation for the technical training night classes was once again brought to the fore and discussed. The Headmaster (Mr I. B. Hubbard) intimated that the building known as ‘the morgue’ at the school would not be available next year as anticipated. He had checked probable roll numbers for next year, and the increase in the numbers of prospective pupils would make it necessary to utilise every, room. The Chairman (Mr J. W. Wilson) said that it was very disquieting news indeed to hear that ‘the morgue’ would have to be used again as a classroom next year. It was a most unsanitary and cold place, and to have a class in there was not fit for either the teacher or the pupils.

The Headmaster pointed out that the building did, at least, have a fireplace in it. He had checked and rechecked the numbers, and. was satisfied that there was no possible way out of using every classroom, ‘the morgue’ and the bandroom. Referring to the woodwork classes Mr F. Clarke stated that his opinion, if accommodation could be given to the ‘hobbyists’, as he termed them, there was no reason why the far more' important work of training apprentices in other trades should not be given equal consideration.

Mr Lysaght added that if this were done, there was no reason why the activities of the school could not be so widened as to cater for all trades. It was up to the committee to agitate for the increased accommodation needed. Qualified instructors were available, and the project was actually much more worthy of fighting for than were swimming pools and other such ventures. Many trades were on the verge of becoming paralysed due to an acute lack of trained apprentices. He saw, no reason why an additional piece should not be added to the existing Manual and Technical building to cater for the other trades, namely, a plumbers’ class, a motor mechanics’ class, and an electricians’ class. It was decided that Messrs. Lysaght and Clarke should take the matter up with the respective trades concerned, obtain a list .of their requirements in writing, and then arrange a joint'meeting between representatives of the trades and the committee. In this manner, a substantial case would be built up, and could, probably be presented to the Department with much more effect.