NEW CONVENT SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5535, 23 December 1878, Page 2

NEW CONVENT SCHOOLS.

Tiia new schools, designed by Mr. Charles O'Neill, C.E. and architect, are situated on the south side of Dixon-street, on luimorly fcbo -property of 33r. IMoiitolth, of this city, and consist of one hall for ordinary school about 60ft. long by 20ft wide (for 129 children), one class-room 20ft. by 15£t., and a select schoolroom 40ft. long by 20ft. wide (for 80 children). These dimensions give 10 square feet of floor area and 150 cubic feet of space to each pupil. The ceilings are all 14ft. high. A most important feature in connection with these schools is the ventilation, which appears the most complete of any schools in the whole colony. This system (O’Neill’s improved ventilators) is by large tubes of zinc 2 ft. 61n. in diameter extending high over the ridge—three in the ordinary school, two in the select school, and one in the class-room. The tubes are partitioned in the centre, and all. have doors for opening and shutting. Below each ventilator is an ornamental tray, as a centre flower, hanging 12in. from the ceiling. This tray is to' spread the fresh air when descending, the principle being that the fresh air is brought in by divisional spaces and the vitiated air is forced out all by one tube. Similar ventilators have been used with wonderful success at the court house, Thames, and at schools in Hawke's Bay. The seating is by parallel benches, the desks and seats resting on neat cast iron standards, manufactured by Mr. E. W. Mills, of this city. The heating of the various apartments is by gas stoves. The desks, seats, galleries, blackboards, easels, and other fittings are strictly in accordance with all the recommendations of the English Committee of Council on education. The buildings are after the Italian style, and are most complete in every particular, and reflect great credit on the architect. The contractors, Messrs Murdoch and Rose, have performed their work most creditably. ■