Minister Speaks On Use Of School Grounds

Press, Volume C, Issue 29509, 10 May 1961, Page 12

Minister Speaks On Use Of School Grounds

(New Zealand Press Association)

WEXaiNGTON. May 9. Greater attention must be given to the problem of more general use of school playgrounds by pupils after school hours, a problem becoming important in administration, and having an impact on teachers, said the Minister of Education (Mr Torment) in his address to the New Zealand Educational Institute Mr Tennent said that the area of 20 acres has been iixed as the maximum for a post-primary school ground fids was a large area in any closely-settled district, and resulted in a great loss of revenue by way of rates to the local authority, in some cases as much as £4OOO annually. It seemed absurd, therefore, with such a large area set aside for a post-primary school that the local body was duty bound to develop further recreational areas for the ’ general population, in some cases almost alongside the school. “Common usage would reduce costs of development on both sides, resulting in more land being available for building, and more money left in our vote for other projects,” said Mr Tennent. “It is a matter to which I am

going to give my attention. I know there are objections by some.post-primary boards, but it must be a case of give and take.” He felt adjustments must also be made in the use of primary school grounds. One school in Wellington opened its grounds to past and present pupils from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday to Friday and until noon on Saturday. On Saturday’s, parents, with the headmaster, provided basketball, tennis, and cricket coaching. “That, at least, gives children the opportunity to be off tire streets for play,” said Mr Tennent. "That goes on all over the country in some degree but it must become more universal.” It might mean some sacrifice on the part of teachers, but not all teachers wanted to rush off to start some form of secondary employment, he said.