EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 15 May 1919, Page 6

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

CENTBAL SCHOOL. Tlie need for replacing tlic present Central and Courtenay Street seliools with modern building* was stronolv stressed at the meeting of the Taranaki I'-ducation Board yesterday, when a resolution was received from the Central school Committee that in view of the present roll number the age and unsuitability of the present seliools and the need of prompt action to remedy the present unsatisfactory state of affairs, it is the unanimous opinion of the committee that the time is opportune for the board to take immediate steps to rebuild both the Central and Courtenay Street schools. The committee showed that the present roll number was 470 at «ie Central School, with 4730 square feet of floor space, and 166 pupils at Courtenay Street, with 18011 feet of floor space. It was pointed out that there was every indication of an substantial increase in attendance. The committee trusted the board would decide to erect as early as possible a more modern structure in which ample provision would bo made for floor space adequate for Hip application of modern methods vrith the >oung pupils of preparatorv schools.

Mr. Wilkinson inquired as to the age of the Central School. Member* visited the country schools, and should, he thought, inspect the building. Mr. S. G. Smith said the department's medical officers, in a report -which was pot available to the public, had reported adversely on the school. In one room, it was considered that the distance of the children from the blackboard was responsible for numerous cases of defective eyesight.

Mr. Wilkinson asked whether it was proposed to build on the same site. Mr. Smith said he did not know of any other site that would be suitable. The chairman stated the school was 3fi years old, and therefore the board would have to face the whole liability itself. A grant might be obtained from the Department for the difference between the cost of the new building and the old. All realised the importance of the matter, and something must be done to remedy the present state of affairs. Officers had reported adversely. Rooms that had been built to accommodate 50 now had to accommodate 75. Tn some of the rooms the children were too far away from their work, and that was the cause of a good deal of the defective eyesight. A committee should be set up to report to the next, meeting. Tt was resolved that the chairman, Messrs White, Grayling, and Smith report on the necessity of erecting a new school at the Central and Courtenav Street. SPOTSWOQD AND MOTUKOA. Mr. S. G. Smith referred to the urgent necessity for establishing a school in the Moturoa-Spotswood district. He presented a petition signed by the parents of 189 children, of whom 78 were attending the West End school, 4 Central, 10 Ornata, 2 Technical, 2 Convent, 2 New Plymouth Boys' High School, and 1 New Plymouth Girls' High School; over twelve years of age 1, under five years 55, five years and over not at school 20, over fourteen years not attending school 2. The district was a growing one and making rapid strides. It was very important that a school should be established, and there was ample" justification for applying for a ernnt. The question of a site would have to be settled.

Mr. C A. Wilkinson said that there was uo doubt there would be great developments in that district, and it was » matter of absolute urgency that - school facilities should be provided. It was resolved that the senior inspector be requested to report on the application for a school at Spotswnod, and that the overseer be requested to prepare a plan for flame. It was further resolved that the question of site be referred to Messrs Smith and White to report.