INADEQUATE SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4533, 20 November 1930, Page 3

INADEQUATE SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION.

BOARD’S SCHEDULE IGNORED.

A report from the senior inspector on the inadequate accommodation at Oroirn Downs school precipitated a. debate at the Wanganui Education Board meeting yesterday which hinted at Departmental preference in the matter of building grants.

With regard to Oroua. Downs the inspector recommended an extra classroom. This was supported by Mr. .1. K. Horn blow and. Mr. .!. S. Tingey. Mr. TTomblow said Hull while Oroua Downs was using a shelter shed as a classroom which allowed the rain to wash the writing off the blackboard, and endanger the health of the children, Gonville (Wangiilini) could get a grant, for the partial remodelling of a brick building, yet this was not. included in the Board’s schedule of urgent wolrks. The secretary (Mr. W. 11. Swan ger) staled that Goiiiville had had mii application before the board, but was not considered urgent. This was the first, occasion the Oroua Downs complaint had been raised.

Mr. TToriiblow maintained, however, that.the Department was not acting fairly and he quoted Bainesse as a. case in point. “Allow me to mention the fact that (his board adopted a list of argent works recommended by inspectors and architect- at the beginning of (lie year,” he said. “We. are continuing to alter that almost at every meeting. 1 am surprised that when we have been battling for schools like Bainesse certain committees can go to the member for the district and to the Minister and get grants. This board lias been ignored and there seems sonic justification for the reference to it as a ‘glorified school committee/ I am surprised to find Gonville has a remodelling grant. 1 don’t blame I hem, hut we must protest at people going over the heads of the. board.”

The speaker advocated a temporary classroom for Oroua Downs rather than renting the hall which was some distance a wav.

Mr. Tingey supported the complaint that the Department was showing preference. The hoard decided to approve of the Oroua. Downs application and to forward it to the. Department. I.t was pointed out that the Board could not legally authorise a movable addition.