SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1008, 26 June 1930, Page 9

SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION

REQUEST FOR BUILDING INCREASES DECLINED EFFECT OF WAR i There is little likelihood of any decrease, as a result of the Great War, in the number of secondary school pupils next year, according to Professor A. P. W. Thomas, chairman of the Auckland Grammar Schooi Board, at its meeting I yesterday afternoon. i A letter was received from the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmoro, [replying adversely to an application for additions to the Auckland Grammar schools. “There has been an increase of 107 pupils this year, and you apparently think a similar increase will occur next year,” stated the letter, which proceeded to quote figures for primary schools to show the effect of the war. The number of pupils in Standard IV. ( during 192 S showed a decrease of more than a thousand; Standard V. pupils in 1929 were 948 fewer than the year before; and though this year’s Stand1, ard VI. figures were not available, it I followed there would be a corresponding decrease, which would be carried on to the secondary schools next year. “I told the Minister last year that there would not be a. decrease,” said Professor Thomas. “Parents are more inclined to leave their children at school, and there are more people ’ seeking secondary education. The difficulty of obtaining emplojmient also.keeps pupils at these schools.” The letter referred to the board's statement regarding a gradual reduction at the Auckland Grammar School until a maximum ot 800 was reached. I Tlio Minister said it was hoped to erect ! a school at Pasadena long before 1932. This would afford considerable relief to some of the existing secondary , schools and enable a general adjust- * ment of numbers. He mentioned the opening of a post-primary school at , Otahuhu, which would, also ease the situation. “In view of the present need of economy, I don’t think it would be any use pressing the question further,” said XTofessor Thomas. The Minister’s letter was received. The school on the Pasadena Estate is one for which sketch plans have been prepared by the architect of the Auckland Education Board and submitted to the department. Its use as either a primary or post-primary school will 1 depend largely on possible changes in - the education system.