TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 651, 19 July 1921, Page 5

TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL.

SIX MONTHS’ WORKING.

ALREADY MORE THAN FULL. \

The ' following report written by the Franklin County Council’s repre-

sentative on the Advisory Board of

the Technical School will be self ex- „ planatory, showing as it does the tremendous growth of the school during toast six months:— ae school was opened in February and is now in full workingorder, being thoroughly equipped with up-bo‘date appliances and staffed with specially qualified teachers. The Advisory Board have received every consideration from * the Education authorities who, inasmuch as this is the only school of its class in the North Island, take a special and keen interest in its welfare. It was anticipated when the.school was opened that tliere would be sufficient accommodation for some time, but the position after only a few months is that the school is overcrowded and an acute stage has been reached. A fur-ther-class room will have to oe provided before next year’s opening unless scholars are to be refused admittance, and the latter contingency shov;ld not be permitted to arise. We have it on good authority that the Government cannot undertake arty additions to the school at present. it being pointed out that many Ihrge centres and cities are not yet in possession of similar schools to ears-- and the Education Department is practically flooded with applica-

tions for their provision. As a matter of fact the demand for educational facilities by way of both secondary

primary schools is ' such that established schools have little, if any, chance of obtaining grants for additions. Your board, while not relax.mg their efforts to secure Government assistance, recognise that it will •be necessary to endeavour to raise £lf>9o in the Franklin district, and it is suggested that the Governemnt iseiae current interest bearing deben-

tures for this amount. I understand £SOO would be subscribed by .one ;■ local gentleman under these conditions and there appears little doubt that the balance can be obtained if the public have the position brought prominently under their notice. The board confidently appeals to the

members of your Council for support and the ' chairman (Mr F. Perkins) and myself have been deputed to interview the Council at an early date. 'lf'have also to point out that the

Question of' building workshops on ‘ the school property is at present uncfcr consideration by the Education Department and there is no doubt

whatever that successful efforts on

our part to provide funds for the additional class . room would greatly enhance our chances of getting workshops. These would be up-to-date and instruction in engineering (motor, steam, etc.), milking machinery, plumbing, biacksmithing, etc. would be available. It is also intended to establish veterinary classes agricultural science, etc. The present and future benefits of this school are hard to realise, but it is quite plain that our boys, and girls can there be trained for any profession and to my nsind we cannot do better than give any movement towards its welfare om- wholehearted support.