"THE BEST I KNOW."

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18415, 23 June 1925, Page 14

"THE BEST I KNOW."

DOCTOR'S OPINION OF

FENDALTON CLASS-ROOM.

I "In my opinion, the Fendaltou OpenAir School is the best I know. I did not see a better or • more practical design for an open-air school during the whole of my recent trip through England, Canada, and the United States," said Dr. Baker-McLaglan, School Medical Officer for Canterbury to a representative of "The Press" yesterday. "The Fendalton type of open-air classroom combines ail the e.-.ocnt»al points at a„ minimum tost. The classroom is specially turned to avoid thd prevailing winas and catch the maximum of sunlight, and this it does very effectively. On those few in number, according to statistics taken over the last twelve years, when th-> wind blows directly on to the open side of the room, the sliding doors can be closed. This is what they are for. When the doors are closed, there are still windows opening to the outsida air on three sides. There are ten large windows taking up the greater part of the north-east wall to admit the morning sun —fiv- windows on. the south-east wall, anu three windows and a door on the south-west wall. Whatever wind is blowing, wet or dry, it must obviously be always possible to have windows on two sides open, thus ensuring cross-ventilation. Embellishments could, of course, be added, but they are not essential, and would increase the cost wh ch, considering the urgency of rebuilding so many of the older schools, is a point we cannot afford to neglect. The new open-air classrooms which were opened at Oxford by the Minister of Education on Saturday last are also excellent, but they cost about one-third more to erect. "In expressing ray opinion on this matter, I wish to make it clear that 1 am quite, aware, and ■ appreciate the fact, that the Education Board are anxious to build the best possible type of school, and that their latest schools are very much better than those.built even ten years ago. They do not succeed, however. in being as perfect, from a. medical standpoint, as I know schools can be made, and they do not pretend to be open-air schools. The design o£ the Fendalton classroom seems to me particularly good, and if a. better design can be evolved, let us have it by all means, and have it quickly." • I