PA.I.MEBSTON SCHOOLS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 303, 18 September 1919, Page 5

PA.I.MEBSTON SCHOOLS

OLD ANIf UNSUITABLE BUILDINGS. The state of certain schrols in Palmerston has been much discussed in that town recently. ' In the Houfo of ' Representatives J[v. .T. A. • Nash' (Palinerston) JHnister of Bducation: Whether he will cause to have made an insucetipn of all schools that have done twenty-five years' service o»more with 'the object, if _ necessary; of havin?. those consider'pd ' insanitary con-. e domned and.demolished? .'..'... . . Tho Minister of Eduwition replied-.— Tho matter of the sanitnrv state of schools is one that concsrns the 6everal education .boards, which are with granfa for the. purpose of maintainins; them in ■ a satisfactory condition. Tho Government is, .however, awnre that many of the.older schools do not conform to recognised modern standards ■with respect to adequate lighting and ventilation. In some cases these defects, can bo overcome by remodelling the buildings without demolishing them. In. other cases tho defects cannot be so remedied, and rebuilding is necessary, 'For this purposo education boards Irave an,"nnally received replacement ftrants. an<! " when they submit, proposals for rebuilding, and are prepared to provide their share .of- cost, applications for Government assistance are'considered. A'general! scheme 'of remodellinit or Te-ereet-ing the older school buildings is under consideration. ' Tho .'proposal for education .grant* to bo submitted later in the ■ session will be such ns to 'enable provision of necessary funds. /