THE OPEN AIR FAD IS CHEAP.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16158, 12 March 1918, Page 2

THE OPEN AIR FAD IS CHEAP.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE TEESS." Sir, —"Tho Press's'' unfailing advocacy of open-air schools seems to have at last aroused the public, and most people now agree with your dictum that overcrowded schools strike at a vital part of the nation's future. What doesn't ssem to have been grasped, however. is that almost the simplest form of building now in use suffices perfectly for an open-air school. All that is needed is a shed facing the north-west. It should have a concrete floor. It may be built ol galvanised iron and wood, or of wood entirely, or of any other material: the cheapest should bo chosen. The side facing the north-west should be open: it should measure 16ft from floor to roof. Tho back wall s/iould be 10ft- high. The distance from front to back should be I6ft. ISo windows would be needed, nor doors either; and draughts would be unknown. I have given the height and the width: the length can be just what is required by the number of pupils: a long shed can be cut up into class-rooms by partitions carried from floor to roof. If the height of roof I have asked for bo maintained, the shed will give fresh air for all that, are in it. A strong nor'-wester may prove inconvenient, but the shed ought, if possible, to be placed fti the lee of a plantation. Otherwise an eight-foot fence a little distance out will give valuable shelter: a cheap wire netting with tho grandiflora sweet pea growing | up it will provide shelter all tho year and beauty for tho greater part of it. Inconvenience may also be felt from :i. too-hot sun: against this roller blinds of yellow holland or some such semitransparent material should be provided. Tf the desks are so placed that the pupils face the north-east, the light will come to them more or less from their left: the desks ought to be easily movable, so that the teachers can use their discretion about the lighting. I greatly admire the pioneer spirit of Bishop Julius in his new church school, but should like to disabuse his mind of the mistaken idea, that fresh air and draughts are inseparable. Draughts aro very dangprous both to children and adults: and they are not. in the least necessary. In such a shed as sketched above there is fresh air always, draught never. It is true it cannot bo locked up, but I don't sec why a school should need to be lockeid up any more than a church.

This country is suffering from wasto of money on school buildings, and a for more important waste of vitality from school poisoning by foul air. Both kinds of waste can be cured by tho use of such cheap sheds as above described, and not one teacher or child will catch cold in them.—Yours, etc.,