ST. STEPHEN'S NATIVE SCHOOL.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 213, 7 September 1921, Page 5

ST. STEPHEN'S NATIVE SCHOOL.

EDUCATION BOARD WANTS SITE. AXD WILL APPLY FOR CONTROL. Some time ago the Education Board tried to get possession of the fine triangle of land on which St. Stephen's native school stands, at the corner of Gladstone Road and St. Stephen's Avenue. The idea was to put up a big central school, as the present building on the Parnell Bjse is quite inadequate for the needs of the district. The attempt was resisted by the trustees of the native school —an Anglican institution —and the board asked the aid of the. Education Department- At this morning's meeting of the Education Board, a litter was received from the department enclosing r. communication from the Auckland Diocesan Trust Board. The Trust Board contended that the trust was being administered in accordance with the terms of the original.. It was admitted that white children as well as Maoris had the right of attending the school, but the Trust Board pointed out that owing to the system of education by the State, no parents availed themselves of the opportunity. Mr. King said the letter was at least an admission that the trustees of St. Stephen's were open to accept white children as pupils. If the Board of Education were to close the present Parnell public school and tell the children to go to St. Stephen's, the trustees would have to accept them. Mr. Purdie (secretary to the board) : On their own terms. Mr. Murray: And if they have the necessary accommodation. Mr. McKenzie considered tliat there was no reason why the trustees of the native school should not allow the Board of Education to lake over the trust and build the necessary accommodation to house the white pupils that would be sent. On the motion of Mr. King it was agreed to apply to the Education Department for permission to take over the trust and administer it for the benefit of both races. The board also decided to adopt Mr. Boddie's suggestion to bring the matter under the notice of the Minister of Education, who will be in Auckland to-morrow. -«.