CITY IMPROVEMENTS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1815, 15 December 1879, Page 3

CITY IMPROVEMENTS.

The enlargement of St. John’s schoolroom, Latimer square, may be noted as an instance of improvement in our public buildings. The old building has been removed from its original site to the inner portion of the school ground and considerably enlarged, leaving a fine block to be leased by the church officers for the benefit of the parish. The building is painted light buff with dark brown facings, and presents a fine appearance from Latimer square. It is entered from three large porches, which add much to the appearance as well as to the usefulness of the room. A side room, also, has been added, which makes an excellent class-room. On entering the room, one finds oneself in a commodious building, capable of seating nearly 600 people. It is well ventilated, and well lighted by ten pendant gasoliers. This work has been excellently done by Mr Pye, of High street. The whole of the room is lined or plastered, and the lining (of Kauri pine) is beautifully varnished. Thirty good backed seats have been provided for the comfort of those attending any entertainment in the schoolroom. A platform has aiso been added, 25ft by 12ift, which is approaohed by two railed stairs, and has a connection with the side room, which may be thus used as a retiring or ante-room. The building is well arranged for sound, the eloping roof acting as a sounding-board. The whole available space is nearly 3500 square feet, of which 1900£t are new work. So that it will be seen the school accommodation is more than double. Towards this work the Church Property Trustees very generously granted £IOO and lent £SOO, for the repayment of which Messrs Hobday and Manning became responsible. The improvements will, however, cost considerably more than £6OO, the balance of which will be made up from to-night’s entertainment and other sources. The whole of the work has been done in a most satisfactory way by Messrs England Brothers, the contractors, who have spared no pains to make the building a success. Mr Allison was the overseer, and Mr J, E. Anthony the clerk of the works, each of whom has given satisfaction to the church officers.