Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, SEPTEMB. 17, 1918. STATE SCHOOL FIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1878, 17 September 1918, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, SEPTEMB. 17, 1918. STATE SCHOOL FIRE.

THE destruction of the State school buildings is a local calamity, and sincere regret will he felt by the community at the loss of such a well-equipped building. Although there were a few defects in the structure, such as faulty lighting and ventilation, these had been remedied from time to time by the Committee, out of its scanty funds and with the assistance of a generous public and grants from the Board, until the school was transformed into one of the bestappointed under the Board's jurisdiction. Since the erection of the building the school environment has been improved beyond recognition. Money and labour expended in this connection, however, will not have been wasted, but there is much material dcs troy ccl'-inc hiding the

library, piano, trophies, etc., which will again have to be replaced, and we feel sure when the time comes the public will again provide these essentials. Nearly every member of the stall’ has lost per-, sonal belongings and equipment, while nearly all the children will be compelled to equip themselves with necessary books. The origin of the fire is shrouded in mystery, and we cannot conceive any motive which would inspire a person to perpetrate such a diabolical act —save insanity. In the meantime, children will be accommodated at various halls throughout the town, generously placed at the disposal of the Committee by the owners. To the latter the Committee and Board is deeply grateful. The upset will, naturally, retard the work of the scholars and cause considerable inconvenience, but the exigencies of the misfortune are being met by all concerned with a fine spirit. The authorities are being urged to re-

construct the school with the least possible delay, but owing to the scarcity of labour and material it is possible [hat fully six months will elapse before a new and up-to-date school is erected. In the meantime everything is being done to carry on as usual. All the temporary class-rooms arc well lighted and ventilated, and the health of the children' in other respects will bo attended to.