EDUCATION BOARD DISPLAYS NEGLECT

Chronicle (Levin), 4 July 1946, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD DISPLAYS NEGLECT

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL UNHYGIENIC CONDITIONS "Although our monthly visit to che schooi was made during inciement weather, sufficient was observed to leave no doubt in our minds that, m common with schools in couniry areas, neglect is displayed by the Wellington Education Board," oaiid the report of the schooi visiting committee, Messrs. Berry and N. faylor, given to a meeting of the Otaki State Schooi Committee on fuesday evening. "We understand that the unhygenic conditions prevailing in the ooys' lavatory have previously been brought under notice," the report continued. "It is suggested that the urinal be demolished and reerected in tiles, and that tiles be embedded in the floor to a depth of 18 inches from the drain. From observation it is apparent that during hot weather the smell will be abominable. If the work as suggested is not carried out the matter should be referred to the Health Department for action, and che board apprised of the committee's intention. "It is suggested that the whole of the area now in grass and the path leading to the headmaster's residence be tar-sealed. "Overcrowding in the rooms was in evidence, and it is suggested that the cooking room, which has been vacant for over a period of six months, be utilised to relieve the c'ongestion at present existing. "The lack of privacy was noticed in the headmaster's room, and the suggestion is advanced that a separate office, as distinct from the

existing room, be erected. "As the hedge on the eastern side of the schooi grounds is in poor condition, it is recommended that it be removed and replaced by a belt of shelter trees. A number of field tiles, apparently without owner, are at the schooi, and it is recommended that they be disposed of to advantage. The condition of the bicycle sheds and outbuildings is in some cases in an advanced state of decay. We recommend that the architeCt be asked to visit the schooi, with a view to arranging ior their deniolition and re-erection on a more suitable site, thus giving greater playing area at the rear of the schooi.'" . The committee decided to draw the board's attention to some of the matters mentioned, but for the meantime not to make use of the cookery room. It was pointed out that the dental room would be used as a staff room when the new clinic was erected. I was agreed to dispose of the field tiles to the best advantage, and that attention be given to the bicycle shelters and other buildings. The hope was expressed that the board's carpenter, now working on the schooi residence, would give these matters attention. It was pointed out by the chairman that oue shed had ntver been enlarged, and that to his knowledge it had been in existence for over fifty years.