OFFICIAL METHODS

Wairarapa Age, 25 February 1927, Page 5

OFFICIAL METHODS

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION AT HIGH SCHOOL.

BOARD NOT CONSULTED.

A STRONG PROTEST.

The Department’s action in ignoring the board in .matters relating to the proposed additions to the Wairarapa High School, was the subject of very stem criticism by the chairman (Mr. C. E. Daniell) at the monthly meeting of the Wairarapa Secondary Education Board last night.

Mr. Daniell stated that on tho occasion of a recent visit by the Minister for Education, the lack of accommodation was urged, and three more classrooms and an assembly hall were asked for. More class-rooms were promised. A deputation visited Wellington and submitted proposals, when prompt attention -was promised. After many weeks of waiting, the secretary enquired and was assured that tenders would be called. No plans were submitted to the board, but a few days since a one-inch advertisement in the wanted column, for one day appeared with a notice that plans could be seen at the Palmerston North and Masterton Post Offices, and asking for tenders. A week later it was learned that one contractor had learnt of the plans and had inspected them. At this stage the secretary telegraphed Wellington, stating the extent of the advertisement, and tho following reply was received : 4 * As you are aware the Public Works Department acts for my Department in regard to such works as additions to your school. I note .all you say and will have pleasure in bringing the matter to the notice of the Tenders’ Board. ’ ’ LOCAL INTEREST IGNORED.

Before the holidays, continued Mr. Daniell, outline plans for the assembly hall associated with the present block of buildings were submitted to the Department with a request that a design in keeping with requirements be prepared and submitted to the board, with n view to local co-operation in an effort to erect the building. Nothing had been heard of this.

This incident served to show, said the speaker, how local interest was ignored by tiie central authorities in their effort to develop national interests. The board, as an authority, did little more' tihan could be equally well done by an officer of the Department—say the secretary—receiving and paying out the teachers’ and caretakers’ salaries. Buildings were erected and money spent* in repairs without reference to the ’board. He did not think the board was blameless: they had cultivated the attitude of relying, on political influence and official responsibility at headquarters, rather than realising that they were trustees of the local institutions. , Calling at "‘the Post Office to see the plans, he found that not three rooms, but one and one-third rooms were to be added, namejy a cloak room was extended to make a class-room, but no provision was made to replace the cloak room.

It was decided to draw the attention of the Minister to the fact that he had promised two rooms, and that the new accommodation as proposed by the Department was entirely inadequate; further to protest against the Department’s action in .calling for tenders without submitting the plans to the board.