STRONG PROTEST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 April 1940, Page 6

STRONG PROTEST

BY HOUSEHOLDERS OF WEST SCHOOL l ONG. DELAY IM ERECTION OF NEW BUILDING. APPEAL TO THE MINISTER DECIDED UPON. (leave concern al the delay in the erection of the new Masierton West School building was ex pressci I al the biennial meeting ol householders held last night in the Side School. Victoria Street. The meeting decided to make a strong protest to the Minister of Education and Io draw hi-: at lent ion Io Ihe urgency of |lie mailer. There was an attendance of about I’orty, over which Mr I’’. Shearer presided. The chairman’s biennial report, which has already appeared in the ’ Times-Age" was adopted. Mr J. P. Farrell, headmaster, expressed thanks to the committee on behalf of himself and the teaching stall for its appreciation of their services. Mr R. N. Shaw paid a warm tribute to the capabilities of the teaching stall both in the school and on the sports ground and he heartily endorsed the chairman's remarks in that connection.

A motion expressing appreciation of the work of Mr W. V. Madden, the late secretary, was carried. Mr Shearer expressed the committee’s appreciation to the two retiring members of the committee, Messrs F. Grigg and C. W. Walker. Referring to the delay in the construction of the new school. Mr Shearer said that at the last meeting of the committee concern was expressed at this delay and it was decided to write to the authorities urging that a start should be made as quickly as possible wiih the erection of the new building. The latest advice was to the ell oct that plans were being prepared and that it was hoped to call for lenders shortly. The headmaster would tell them that it was. against the best interests of the school for the present position to continue. He added that perhaps the householders themselves would like to express their views about the matter. ALLEGED NEGLECT. ‘T still feel that the school has been neglected and that the Department has not done its duly," said Mr E. W. Tooby, a member of the committee, referring to the delay in the erection of the new building. He mentioned a case in which a family had children attending West School going to school M three different buildings. "There seems to be an extraordinary delay that is not justified at all." said Mr Wesney when moving a motion that the meeting enter a strong protest at the unwarranted delay. In reply to a point raised by _Mr Campbell. Mr Shearer gave a brief review of the negotiations between the school committee and the Department and said he considered a protest on the lines suggested would be helpful. Mr C. R. Goudgc urged that the meeting should protest to the Minister of Education and draw his attention to the urgency of the matter. He said that the board was procrastinating. An amendment was moved by him in that direction. Mr Shaw spoke strongly in support of the amendment and said he was sure, if representations were made to the Minister, that he would do everything to expedite the erection of the building, as, he said. "Mr Fraser is the most humane Minister of Education we have ever had." The amendment was carried. The following wore elected as members of the school committee: Messrs W. G. Baird. E. R. Rogers. W. Batty. R. S Graham. E. W. Tooby, F. .Shearer. R. S. Gilbert. S. C. Haybittie and W. J. Campbell. There were ten nominations. ROAD DANGERS. Mr Shaw said the committee should protest, to tiie Minister of Transport against the practice of the local transport authorities using Wrigley Street,j Albert Street and Victoria Street as testing grounds for motor vehicles, lie] held that the practice was unnerving, to mothers and dangerous to the childien and should be stopped. Sooner or later there would be an accident. Hr Shearer said lie was sure the incoming committee would give tin- mailer its immediate attention. It was certainly news to him. A suggestion that the playing ground at the Side School might, be made available for the children of the neighbourhood during holidays was I ui forward by Mr Shaw, who asserted that children were not over-wel-come in the Park and moreover they had to cross a busy main thoroughfare to reach the Park. In reply to a point raised by a householder. Mr Shan’ said he would sooner allow bis children tc play in the school ground than al the Park. Mr Shearer gave an assurance that (he suggestion would bo looked into by the incoming committee. A vole of thanks was passed to the outgoing committee. PARENTS' ASSOCIATION FORMED. A decision to lorrii a Parents AS”