FRANKLEY ROAD SCHOOL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 142, 24 September 1910, Page 2

FRANKLEY ROAD SCHOOL

OFFICIAL OPENING. At Frankley Road, on Thursday afternoon, the new school was opened by Mr. J. Wade (chairman of the Taranaki Mucatiou Board). Mr. A. C. Downes (chairman of the school committee) presided over the function and introduced Mr., Wade. ' Mr. Wade said the event was one which should afford a great deal of pleasure to all householders in the Frankley Road School district, for tiie opening of a new and larger school was an evidence „- of advancement—of progress. Referring to educational matters, Mr. Wade spoke of the enormous increase in the expenditure, and yet at the same time authorities had stated that our system was not so good as it was fifteen or twenty years ago. He attributed, this to the system of centralisation in Wellington, and the introduction of fads. Of course, technical education) too, had been 'the means of "bringing about a big increase in the expenditure. He was "not going to decry technical education, but they could havp it without such an extravagant outlay. He assured, them that although the Education Board was largely blamed for this extravagance, that it was not responsible. Mr. Wade then spoke in eulogistic terms of the energy and zeal of this school committee. He also addressed a few remarks to the Children, urging them to take every advantage of the education facilities .they had at their disposal ana hoped'that some day a Premier of the 'Dominion might be able to say he received his primary education at the Frankley Road School. He then declared the new building open. Mr. W. Davies, who took a prominent part in getting the old school opened in the _ early seventies, and who gave the school site, extended his hearty congratulations to the settlers on the splendid school they now had. Mr. T. B. Winfield (headmaster) proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the committee, who had worked so individually and collectively on behalf ox the new school.

The motion was carried with acclamation, Mr.. Downes briefly replying on behalf of the compiittee. Mr; W. Ambury, as an old -settler on the road, congratulated the Education Board, the Frankley Road school committee, the teaching staff, as well as the parents and children, on the splendid new school. The committee deserved all praise for the way in which it ■ had tackled the department and fought for tile new school. He expressed regret, at the absence of Mr. H. Okey, M.P., who Had done so much for the school. He paid a high tribute to the work of Mr. Winfield.

A vote of thanks >vas accorded Mr. Wade for declaring the school open. A concert was subsequently given in tiue gymnasium, and before the gathering dispersed afternoon tea was provided. In the eveniiig a dance was held.