OLD SCHOOLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 November 1921, Page 6

OLD SCHOOLS.

POSITION IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

BAD VENTILATION AND LIGHTING. IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED. The fact that there is a great need for improvement in the accommodation at practically all the New Plymouth schools was emphasised in a discussion which took place at yesterday’s meeting of the Taranaki Education Board. The facts concerning the town schools were the subject of a report made by the architect (Mr. C. H. Moore), who stated:

“There is one matter I wish to draw the board’s attention to, and that is the bad lighting and ventilation in several of our schools. There are not many left, but still if there is only one, that means one too many. The board have made great efforts to have these schools remodelled in some cases and rebuilt in others. At the request of the department a list of works in order of urgency was drawn up and submitted. As there is no prospects of further carrying out the proposed building programme, I would therefore draw' attention to two schools in particular, the Central and Fitzroy, that could be greatly improved. Both committees have tried hard to get new buildings, and it must be admitted that there is no' chance of getting these buildings replaced for probably some years.” The report went on to suggest improvements at the Fitzroy School, changes to the windows being recommended to secure better ventilation. Proposals for remodelling the Central School were also detailed, while improved ventilation was suggested in one class room at the West End School. The architect added: “I have mentioned theseschools' because they are, except’in the case of Waitara, probably in more need of attention than any other large schools we have.”

When the report came up for discussion (he chairman of the board (Mr. P. J. H. White) said he thought that in view of the attitude of the department the board should consider the question of improving the ventilation and remodelling in the cases mentioned. Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., was of opinion that if the schools were remodelled now the board would not get a grant for a new school for another twelve years. The chairman said he did not think that expenditure on remodelling at Fitzroy and Central would prejudice the chances of getting new schools in, say, live years’ time. If he did think so he would not advocate this course. In the meantime the children would have the benefits of better accommodation. He suggested that the Director of Education he Invitefl to visit New Plymouth in order 'hat he might be acquainted with the st ate of the schools. Mr Smith said that from the facts in his possession he was com inced that “spoils io the victors’’ in its worst possible form was in existence to day. It was difficult to accept the department’s offer when some children could be boused in school buildings on which “trimmings” Io the extent of £5OOO had been expended, while on the j other hand districts had io put ud with overcrowded rooms and tin sheds converted into class-rooms. Even after the gymnasium at Fitzroy was converted no one could say it would be a satisfactory class-room. They could accept the makeshift providing the people who were responsible could com.'nee them that the whole of New Zealand was getting the same treatment. The architect was authorised to submit plans for the remodelling of the Central School and increasing of accommodation to the next meeting, and tiifi recommendation regarding improving a front class-room at West End was agreed to. In regard to the proposed improvements at estimated to cost about £lBO9. J it was reported that the department had ' not replied to the board’s letter of two ; months ago, setting out (he proposals. It 1 was decided, on the motion of Messrs. Smith j and Hoskin, that the department be com- I mumcated with by telegram, asking for an i answer. The department is to be asked to make I a furl! ;• grant to cover the cost of cross- ' ventjlatmh windows at the Fitzroy School.