NEW SCHOOL OPENED

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20819, 1 June 1939, Page 8

NEW SCHOOL OPENED

. TE AWAMUTU FUNCTION MINISTER'S PRAISE GREAT EDUCATIONAL PROJECT (From the Times Reporter) TE AWAMUTU, Wednesday Glorious weather and the gathering of a large number of persons prominent In the educational advancement of the Dominion marked the opening of the I new Intermediate Consolidated end High School yesterday by the Minister of Education, Hon. P. Fraser, who was accompanied by Mrs Fraser, j Children lined the route from the entrance to the grounds to the foreground. On arrival the minister and his party were met by the chairman of the committee, Mr G. B. Melrose. The High School cadets formed a guard of honour. After the inspection of the guard, the National Anthem was played and the Union Jack was broken bj Miss Lehndorf, of the staff of the schooL v Welcoming the party, Mr Melrose thanked tiie minister and all who had assisted in bringing to realisation what had once been just a dream. He mentioned that the first school In the district was opened in 1839, a mission school conducted by the Rev. Mr Ashwell. There would no doubt be some heartburnings at the closing of the outside schools, but when it was recognised that solid education was necessary those who missed their own schools would appreciate what had been done. Education had lagged in the district, but as soon as the authorities realised the position the matter had been taken up, and though a good deal of money had been spent, it was for the common good. Mr W. 8. Goosman, M.P. for Waikato, extended his best wishes to the school, the staff and tbe public for the future, “One of Best In Dominion” The chairman of the Auckland Education 'Board, Mr J. W. Campbell, said that he regarded the school as one of the best in the Dominion, and the board had done its best to appoint a staff worthy of it. Mr W. J. Broadfoot, M.P. for Waitomo, said he regarded (he occasion as one of historical importance. The drift from country to town and large centres had to be stopped somehow. This could be done by bringing the better facilities to the country areas. The event marked an important newclass of educational facilities, and with such an educational*’ centre country children would be able to complete their education without going further afield. The Hon. J. E. Duncan, M.L.C., and Mr A. C. Wyllie also spoke of the advancement made. Minister’s Address The minister, who was received w-ith applause, said that he was very pleased to share in the gratification at the realisation of what one of the speakers had called a dream. The institution of the school was a very important educational projeot, perhaps the most important in New Zealand. He congratulated the architect on his conception of what a school should be, for there was given the sunlight, fresh air and freedom. The building was not only an educational matter, but was an overwhelming addition to the cultural advancement of the nation. The expenditure of large sums of money required ample justification; there w-as such justification in this case. The building combined beauty, dignity and utility. The school would and did rank as one of the best in New Zealand, said Mr Fraser. He was interested in the mention of the mission school which was opened in 1839, a year before New Zealand became part of the Empire. The district had an historical association with that ‘great English educationist, Sir John Gorse who, when in England, had a great Influence on educational progress, and who eventually lived at Te Awamutu and worked in the interests of the native people. He emphasised that the school was the result of the co-operation and goodwill of everyone—parents, school committee, the Education Board and the Government. Big Sums Expended His experience as Minister of Education had been fortunate, in the matter of estimates, the Minister continued, because he had had the support not only of the Government, but of the whole of Parliament. The sum of £1,780,000 had been expended on school buildings; but the need was there, and they were feced with the rebuilding of a great many schools and teachers’ residences, some of which were 60 to 70 years old and were crumbling Into dust.

They wanted a sense of freedom ’ and no suppression, for the modern ’ schoolroom was not the building alone, but the whole of the surroundings. Consolidation had been necessary, and there was no difficulty because seven schools agreed to tiie project and two more would probably come in soon. •He congratulated the schools upon their progressive attitude in extending to their children the opportunity placed before them. The policy of the Government, and indeed of all members of Parliament, was to have such schools that every child would get the best education avail* able in New Zealand without having lu leave its home and own district, boarding schools might play their part, Lut the objective was to bring the opportunity to the mass of the people. That was wlly it was desired to establish schools in every part of New Zealand to give country children the same opportunities as those in the ■ j cities enjuvud. If any justification was * ! required for the experiment, it lay in * j the ucl that ever* child should have j equality oJ education. The Minister concluded by thank- ! nig ail who had done aii/'diing to ’ | bring about the materialisatkoi of the * scheme. He wished the. school the [ ; greatest of success. After receiving from Mr Sanderson, the contractor, a master key, the * .Minister formally declared the school