LACK OF ROOM.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 March 1922, Page 3

LACK OF ROOM.

. AT NEW PLYMOUTH SCHOOLS. DISCUSSION BY BOARP Tn connection with the proposed remodelling of the Centrad (School, at yesterday’s meeting of the Taranaki Education Board a letter was read from the department commenting on the proposals, and stating that if the Iboard was willing to pay for the work out of its building fund it could be carried out, subject to alterations suggested. Mr. Smith considered the officers of the Department should be congratulated on raising every conceivable obstacle to this work. There was a determined attempt to prevent money being spent on the school except out of the boards funds. _ The chairman quoted figures showing t7iat the average attendance at the Central school for February was 596.8, the floor space working out at 9>y 2 feet; at Vogeltown, attendance 117, floor space 9|ft; at West End, attendance 573.7, floor space 9ift; at Fitzroy, the attendance had risen from 221 to 298, the floor space being slightly under ; 9ft; Frankley Road and Westown, attendance 124, floor space lOJft. Mr. Masters suggested that the whole question should be brought before the Minister by a deputation from the board and the school <conunfttees in the district (if they so desired), with a view to a grant being made to the board to use as they thought most desirable either in alterations or in movable structures.

The chairman approved of the suggestion, as he considered the position must be faced and a practical decision arrived at. Children were awaiting admission to the Central and West End schools and receiving no education. That should not be allowed to continue. Mr. Smith cons'lered that as it was hopeless to expect the Government to provide a new site for the West End school, the Department should be urged to at once erect a school at Moturoa and acquire a site for a school at Westown. The chairman was equally concerned over Fitzroy, and the action to be taken thereon. The suggestion of Mr. Masters was embodied in a motion and carried.