NAPIER STREET SCHOOL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 29 June 1927, Page 8

NAPIER STREET SCHOOL.

DEMOLITION OF OLD BUILDING

MATTER FOR EDUCATION BOARD,

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

Drawing attention to the "dirty and dangerous condition" of the Napier Street School grounds, Mr. W. E. Parry (Auckland Central) asked the Minister of Education, in the House of Representatives, what steps would be taken in connection with the demolition of the old building, the addition of new schoolrooms, as provided, by the plans for the modern school now in use, and the levelling and surfacing of the area secured for the purpose of a playground? The demolition of the old building was entirely in the hands of the Auckland Education Board, replied the Hon. R. A. Wright. The Board had entire control of the building. He had noticed in an Auckland newspaper that the Board had granted permission to a worthy lady to use the building for a charitable purpose. There appeared to be no immediate need for the addition of new schoolrooms. Quoting figures to show that the attendance at the school had declined since 1904, the Minister said it seemed that the population was transferring to the suburban areas. It would be injudicious to provide further accommodation till such time as it became apparent that more rooms were necessary. Once it became necessary, new rooms would be erected. The question of levelling the playground area was also a question for the Education Board, working in conjunction with the school committee.

Mr. Parry: But didn't you promise a -rant of £5000 for that purpose? The Minister: I did not. I promised •'•ii 6um.