A PUBLIC SCHOOL

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1931, Page 5

A PUBLIC SCHOOL

SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN. PARAMOUNT.

WELLINGTON, July 6.

The addition of a two-roomed brick wing to the Mount Co-ok School so as to provide accommodation ■ for the infant classes was sought by a-deputa-tion from the School Committee, which waited upon the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore. Some time ago the committee was given to understand that the construction of the wing would be proceeded with, but subsequenly it was informed that tlie plans had been amended and that provision would be made for a detached building in wood. In bis' reply to. the deputation, the Minister related what he hgd seen after the earthquake in Hawke’s Bay, and stated that he considered it his duty'to see that no more brick schools were erected.

The deputation was introduced by Mr P. Fraser, M.P. for Wellington Central.

Mr W. E. Howe said they came to the Minister as a disappointed committee. Parents and committees had agitated to have the building completes by tbs addition of the wing they now asked for. The plans had provided for two rooms in brick attached to the main school. To-day they were offered! two rooms in wood apart from the main, building. The appeal of. the deputation to the Minister was to finish the building in brick. Mr .T, It, Burley said the deputation did. not think that two detached wooden rooms would be in keeping with the main building, The Minister: I will give you. a good building, one that I chose’for my own district. The wooden building will be the same colour as the brick structure.

Mr Fraser saiid he favoured buildings of glass and wood. After he had seen the damage at Napier, Hastings, and Wairoa, he would not have it on his conscience to ask for any building in brick.

The Minister stated that lie would guarantee to give the committee a good building. His first consideration was the safety of the children.

Mr Burley: Are you • .prepared to give us a ferro-conerete building? - • :

Tlie Minister: We could , not run the cost of one just now. . Mr Atmore also said that had school committees been able to see the damage in ' Hawkes Bay he ; did not; think any of them would ever ask for buildings in brick. - ;

In view of the Minister’s decision in respect to buildings in brick, the deputation made several suggestions to him for minor improvements in the plan of the proposed wooden building. These the Minister undertook to look into.