ARTHUR STREET SCHOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18806, 8 March 1923, Page 5

ARTHUR STREET SCHOOL

THE BUILDING REMODELLED. The ■work of remodelling the Arthur Street School, commenced on December 6 last, is now sufficiently far advanced to enable a very accurate idea to bo gamed of the extent and effect of the improvements. The school undoubtedly occupies an ideal site, open to sun and breeze and commanding a glorious view, but the obsolete architecture of the buildings has hitherto prevented the full enjoyment of those natural advantages. The chief effects of the reconstruction now going on are to bring the lighting and ventilation of the rooms into lino with the latest developments in these directions. By the moving of a dividing wall one very small and one large classroom on the north side of the building are being transformed into two rooms' of good average size to accommodate 60 to 60 pupils. Like all the other renovated parts of the school, these will bo fitted with hot water a-nd provided with a system of cross ventilation which, acting across the ceiling of the room, solves the problem of keeping the *ir pure without creating a draught. But the most obvious difference of all is in the lighting. The numerous pivot-hung windows with which the rooms are equipped extend almost to the ceiling and give the necessary left-hand lighting to all the pupils. A new corridor now runs alongside these two rooms. Standard I room—one of several in the school commanding an entrancing view of the harbour—is almost completed, and now has in addition to greatly enlarged pivot-hung windows, skylights, and other windows nigh on the* inner wall to secure cross ventilation. Standard II room has been similarly improved, and it is equipped with the new dual desks which it is hoped to secure later for other rooms. Standard 111 room also has the new and enlarged windows, one obvious advantage of which is that they make any air entering through them strike Upwards instead of down. In the Standard V room, in addition to the modernising of the lighting system, the floor has been brought to the level in accordance with up-to-date ideas. A large cloak room is being arranged next it. The old teachers’ room, which has always been an unsatisfactory make shift, is being done away with, and a fine new room overlooking the harbour is being provided. The head master bas a smaller room adjacent to the teachers’ room as his ooffie. Up by the infant room, which is higher up the hill and across the courtyard from the main buildings, a commencement ,is being made with the construction of a great wide open verandah capable of accommodating two classes of about 30 each. It faces the north and with closed in glass ends should prove o delightful open air room for the little ones. Just beyond the infant room are the attractive and orderly garden plots where Mr Bringans and his agricultural class often occupy their time clearly to excellent purpose. The only classroom unaffected yet by the improvements ia the Standard VI room, holding 75 pupils. It is constructed on the old system, of ascending steps, and now presents a striking contrast to the more modern rooms. It is hoped that before long the necessary funds may be forthcoming to complete the remodelling of this room. The workmen are still engaged busily about the school, and it is too soon yet to see all the details of Improved equipment that will eventually be introduced; but the great value of the general scheme of improvements is obvious to the most casual eye. They make the school thoroughly up-to-date in providing the best possible conditions for school work and for the health and comfort of the pupils. The work, which may not be completed for a couple of months yet. is costing from £2OOO to x. 3000; but, ns the head master reasonably contends, it is making the old school good for perhaps another 40 years yet, and so saving the department £20,000. It i s largely on account of the generous activity of Mr C. Speight and other members of the School Committee on behalf of the school that the department has been led to corns to their assistance in this way. A REAL SPORT. It is said that a “real” sport does not ’ merely look on. but, himself, plays the game. No doubt, as a general rule, this is true, but there are exceptions. For instance, Mr B , who attends daily at the bowling green, would gladly take a hand at the game, but —though he doesn’t acknowledge the fact —his rupture prevents him. He has enlarged the pads of the truss he wears till to stoop is impossible. If Mr B and all who suffer as he does, would visit Mr A. W. Martin, the Solo Controller of the Dr J. A. Sherman method of curing rupture, he would bo fitted with an appliance which would not incommode his movements in the slightset degree. He would be able to play bowls, lawn tennis, cricket, or even football, if he so desired, and, more important still, he would ho able to get about at his everyday business with ease and comfort. The strange thing is that Mrs M , who knows Mr B . and has told him of the ease with which she can now carry her tubs, or perform all and sundry household duties, ns a result of her visit to the rupture specialist, cannot induce him to face Mr Martin. Mrs M says; Men are funny creatures; that some of them haven’t the courage of a baby, and that it is for this reason that they continue to suffer. Mr A. AV. Martin has made life endurable to scores of Mr B ’s, as well as Mrs M ’a, and can produce numerous testimonials in evidence. Air A. W. Martin may be consulted at his rooms, Samson’s Buildings, Dowling street, Dunedin, daily 10 to 12 noon, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturdays 10 to 12 noon. A booklet on rupture and its treatment posted free to any sufferer.—7/3/23.