NOW MODERN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 October 1940, Page 6

NOW MODERN

SIXTY YEAR OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL EXTENSIVE ALTERATIONS MADE. OPEN-AIR CLASS-ROOMS FOR INFANTS. Extensive alterations made to the sixty-year-old Masterton Central School have transformed this building into an establishment comparable in facilities to tire most modern school. In fact, it possesses a large assembly hall which new schools lack. Brightly repainted and modernised throughout and with its timber still sound as a bell, the Central School bids fair to continue many more years of useful existence. There are numerous residents of the district and others scattered throughout New Zealand, ex-pupils of the school, who can recall the old type of class-room at the school in which they were taught the three R’s. The old sloping floors in the class-rooms, of course, have long since disappeared and the latest alterations have effaced, except in one small section of wall, ~jy the highly-placed windows that darkened a considerable area of the classrooms instead of brightening it. These windows have been dropped down over. two feet and a marvellous improvement has been made in the lighting of the rooms. New blackboards, display boards and cupboards have been fitted in these rooms as well, so that for equipment they compare favourably with the latest schools. Moreover, an advantage not possessed by newlyconstructed schools is the much greater height of the rooms, which are exceptionally airy. Ventilating windows have been fitted between the corridors and all class-rooms and these further ensure better lighting and a free circulation of air. One of the most important portions of the reconstruction carried out is • the conversion of the infant classrooms on the northern side of the building into the open-air type. To do this, the whole of the northern wall has been removed and replaced with ample glass space embodied in sliding doors and ventilators. A verandah runs the whole length of this side of the building, adjoining the infant class-rooms. Concrete steps and garden plots finish off the reconstructed northern portion of the building. In carrying out this work, one large classroom has been divided into two and the verandah corridor has been’broken into two, with a porch entrance. In addition to these alterations, which are apparent to the eye, a considerable amount of work has been carried out to the roof of the assembly hall in the way of strengthening the structure generally. Earthquakes had badly wrenched the supports and beams but these defects have been successfully remedied and the structure is now probably stronger than ever. The staff room, too, has not been overlooked and a wash-basin, bench and sink are being fitted in this room. Under one class-room a commodious boiler room has been excavated to accommodate a central heating system, complete with automatic feed and electric pump to ensure efficient circulation to every room in the school. Airiness, warmth and comfort will be enjoyed by pupils of Central School in the future. JY CEREMONY NEXT MONTH. MINISTER OF EDUCATION TO VISIT MASTERTON. A ceremony is to take place at the Masterton Central School at the end of next month in connection with the completion of the modernisation of the establishment. The member for the district (Mr. J. Robertson), has arrangged with the Minister of Education (the Hon. H .G. R. Mason), to be present. The date fixed tentatively for the ceremony is Saturday, November 30.