OPEN-AIR SCHOOLS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 747, 21 August 1929, Page 1

OPEN-AIR SCHOOLS

AUCKLAND BUILDINGS ACCEPTABLE INQUIRIES IN VIEW The architect of the Auckland Education Board is to visit openair schools at New Plymouth and Hawera. The board today discussed the trend toward open-air schools in New Zealand, and the view given by several speakers was that the modern type of school being constructed by the Department of Education was actually acceptable to advocates of open-air schools. “Take these people to our modern schools and they will agree that the features they think essential are provided,” said Mr. J. Boddie, referring to sponsors of open-air schools. A letter came from the executive of the Auckland Open-air Schools League asking for lists of schools which will be enlarged or renovated, and for a list of districts where the board proposes to build new schools in the near future. On the motion of Mr. H. S. W. King the request was declined. The chairman, Mr. A. Burns, mentioned the board’s former proposal to build a demonstration op.en-air school building at Avondale South, but legislation over the area was delayed and the Department of Education would not allow construction while the points were pending. It was hoped to have the legislation passed at the present session of Parliament. Mr. Boddie referred to open-air schools in Canterbury, and contended that recent Auckland schools, such as Otorohanga, met requirements. They were practically open-air buildings.