SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2011, 5 August 1919, Page 3

SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION.

When temporary accommodation was arranged for the various classes after, the fire which destroyed the State school, by Messrs Fraser, Hornblow and Signal, it was expected that teachers'- and pupils would have to put up Avith a certain amount of inconvenience in the meantime. After the Masonic Hull was vacated by Messrs Levin and Co., a short time back, application was made to the Trustees for the use of the hall to relieve the accommodation in the Gospel Hall. The trustees did not entertain the proposal, and a deputation Avainted upon the Trustees to again consider the request. A reply was read at last night’s meeting - of the School Committee, regretting that they Avere unable to let the hall for school purposes.

Mr Kcllow explained what steps had been taken to acquire the hall.

The head teacher said that the Gospel Hall accommodated the infants, Avhieh were divided up into three classes, and Avere supervised by three teachers. The accommodation Avas insufficient, and the proposal Avas to take out about 50 children and one teacher, and locate them in the Masonic Hall,

Mr Hornblow said that n good deal had been talked about the Masonic and there were good reasons why the hall should .not be let for school purposes by the Trustees. He said that the Methodist school was available, which would accommodate 30 children; then there was the upstairs portion of the Town Hall, and portion of Manchester House. Failing that, the Board should be approached to erect a, temporary structure in the school grounds, or be asked to con vert the old master's residence into a temporary class-room. The Board had taken the rent of the latter building for years, which should have gone to the Committee. He had as much sympathy for the teachers and children in the present circumstances as any one, but too much was being made of obtaining (lie Masonic Hall. The head teacher said the Methodist schoolroom would not accommodate 50 children, in fact he would he sorry to put “twelve pups in it.” Il had been an old shed.

Mr Coley: Did they get a permit I o creel it? The head teacher continued that the rxpstairs portion of the Town Hall would be dangerous owing to the stairway, and'that the ventilation was not suitable. The traffic of the roads would also be dangerous.

It was suggested that the Borough Council Chamber would be a suitable room, and Mr Coley said he would see whether that could be obtained for the purpose.

Mr Alexander said he had inspected the Methodist schoolroom, and it was unsuitable, the roof being too low. Mr Coley said the old master's residence had been condemned as a dwelling about 40 years ago. He then indulged in some remarks about Freemasons, until called to order by the Chairman.

Mr Kcllw said Messrs Levin and Co. had given up the use of the hall with the object of letting the school have it. The Trustees had not given any reasons why it should not be used for school purposes. After further desultory discussion it was resolved to again ask the Masonic Lodge to let the hull, and, failing that, to make other arrangements.