MORE FRESH AIR.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2112, 1 April 1914, Page 7

MORE FRESH AIR.

IN CLASS-ROOMS'OF. SCHOOLS,

"Tbo time is riot far distant when wo shall bo constructing new schools extensively which will have open-air class-rooms, in which the whole of ono side; and probably part of another side will bo absolutely open to tho air." Tho abovo remark was made by Mr. 11. Lee, chairman of tho Education Board, yesterday, at the -meeting of tho board when proposed additions to the Maranui School were under consideration. A committee was set up to inquire and investigate as to what '■ additions were necessary. . ' '

Mr. A.'W. Hogg hoped that tho committee would also consider the practicability of building what were known as opeiirair class-rooms.' Hβ believed that, in the past, nothing had been more detrimental to the_ health of children, and tho health of infants in particular, lhan tho practice of crowding them into small, ill-ventilated class-rooms.

Mr. Leo stated that the proposal was being very carefully considered. . Dr. Gunn especially had- been interesting herself, in this question, and the ; board were putting yip at South Wellinq;toji what!was distinctly an open-air classroom.' Ho thought that it would be possiblo to put up similar class-rooms, if they should be necessary, at Maranui. These open-air class-rooms were, however, only an experiment for the present. Iu Canada, he believed, the children sat in open-air rooms right throng]] the severe winter, and seemed to be ablo to endure'the cold.

Mr. Moss: But I havo occasion to pass a school verv and, day after day, I sec.thnt not one single window is onen. ' It seems to me that some of the teachers need a course of instruction in the benefits of fresh air.

' Mr. Lee: Of course, pcoplo are not all alike in this matter. Somo even sleep with their windows closed.

Mr. Hogg: It is the fiame in a railway carriage. Some people aro afraid of draughts, and you can't keep tho windows open.