A NEW SCHOOL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 75, 5 April 1913, Page 2

A NEW SCHOOL.

RETELLINGS AT WAINGONGORO

New schools are not opened every day, and it was not surprising that the opening of the Waingongoro School last evening was made the occasion of a big celebration, and was attended by so many of the settlers and their friends that the accommodation of the little building was taxed to the utmost. That tire school has been erected none too soon, is evident from the fact that already some twenty-six children are ready to take their seats in the new building, and this -without having to walk the very long distance that their attendance at the Cardiff school entails. Before the jollifications commenced, one of the principal settlers, Mr A. David, welcomed the visitors, and introduced Messrs Rogers and Masters, members of the Taranaki Education Board.’ In a short address, Mr Rogers congratulated the settlers on having obtained such a fine building, and Mr Moore (the builder) on having so faithfully performed his duties. The speaker traced tho history of the building, and said- that at first tho Education Board thought it would bo possible to convey the children to the Cardiff school, hut a grant of 6d per child per day for this purpose had proved quite inadequate. He was sure that Mi' David’s splendid generosity in donating the site for the school would be appreciated by all. Continuing, Mr Rogers said ho hoped that a swing bridge might shortly bo erected across tho Waingongoro, in order that children from tho Barclay Road district might attend the new school. In this instance, the settlers would have to help themselves, though ho thought the Education Board could be persuaded to subsidise the work. In conclusion, ,Mr Rogers urged the settlers to send (.their children regularly to school, and offered to donate two special prizes for the boy and girl who made the best attendance records. (Applause.) Mr Robert Masters, who also addressed those present, said he was very pleased indeed to he present to take part in this inaugural function. Without doubt tho building was a fine one, and for its grade, the best he had seen. Mr Moore had evidently carried out his work faithfully, .and tho building' was a credit to his labours. Ho hoped the school would prove very useful in tho district. The thanks of the community were due to Mr David for his generosity, and Mr Masters stated that he considered the settlers also owed much to Mr Rogers, for the persistent manner in i which he had laid before the Board tile claims of the district for education facilities. ‘ Again, he wished to .thank the settlers for their kind ini v vitatidn to hint to'be present on the occasion. (Applause.) No time was wasted, and in a few minutes dancing was in full swing, Miss AYolfe officiating at the piano, and Mr McLennon accompanying on the violin. Afterwards, Air R. A. Belcher took up the running at tho piano, the music proving excellent. Supper, provided by the ladies, prov*d a welcome interlude, and dancing *T; 4, t # was then continued till long after midnight. Tne duties of M.C. were in the capable hands of Air J. Brown. A brief description of the building might not he out of place. It should he mentioned that the school is of the latest design, and though economy is studied to a very great extent in its construction, the aesthetic qualities of the structure have not been seriously affected. Corrugated iron plays a prominent part in the structure, and the inside is lined with small gauge iron, which, painted pure white, and with a hardwood dado, makes a very pleasing interior. The class room is 21ft. by 18ft. 6in., capable of seating well over thirty children, and—if levity may ho excused—providing just enough room for four (or was.it five?) sets of lancers. Tho two porches, completely covered in, are 10ft. (jin. by 7ft. The heating arrangements are most complete, the builder having installed Unique Stoves, which are admitted to serve their purpose required faithfully and well. All the timber used in the construction of tho school is seasoned hardwood; while the floor of Matai, which was in such excellent condition for dancing last evening, should last far beyond tho time when increased families will demand a now and larger building.