SHIRLEY SCHOOL.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15511, 11 February 1916, Page 3

SHIRLEY SCHOOL.

AN UP-TO-DATE BUILDING

There was a large attendance at the opening of the new school in Shirley road, which took placc yesterday. Among the visitors were Messrs. C. H. Opie (.chairman), and E. H. Andrews, \\; A. Banks, li. Boyd, M. Ualziel, ana J J aime-von mei/ibors ot the North Canterbury Hoard of Education, Messrs to. iiowaid and T. Miller, member and secretary, respectively, of the South Canterbury hoard, and Mr J. 1 (iruhmond {We.sUaud). There were also pi ('Sent: Messrs A. W. Lane (secretary oi tne Board), C. Penlington (architect), and W. Brock, Chief Inspector of Schools. They were received by the committee —Messrs R. Hoppy (chairman), J. W. Beanland, Neilson, Ivcnr.ard. Stringer, Robinson, Hope, Watt, and Al rs Mcivay. Mr Opie congratulated the gathering o. the great improvement ho had noticed in the district, and stated that tjiero with him were several gentlemen who were closely connectcd with the district and the. schools around. Ho referred to Mr C. S. Howard, who, for twenty-two years, had been master of tho adjoining school, Richmond, and who was now a member of tho Sout.i Canterbury Education Board; also to Mr Brock, who, likewise, had been master of the same school; and to Mr E. H. Andrews, who had been in charge oi the St. Albans School and was now chairman of the committee. He had' to congratulate them on the school, the site, and the growing potentialities of the district. They had a fine bit of ground, which he hoped to .see' improved, and said that Mr Martin, tho Board's instructor in agriculture, would fiivo them all the assistance in his power, while he commended Mr Bovd for the foresight with which he had" selected the spot. He eulogised Mr AV. Balch and Miss K. Newton, the headmaster and headmistress, respectively, and he hoped their efforts would be crowned with success. The building is built of red and buff brick, and contains six class-rooms, estimated to accommodate 313 pupils. The cost of the building was £2740, while the furniture and heating apparatus I cost £300, well, fencing, shelter, etc., £200, and the site (2 acres 38 perches) £1290. The Department's grant for the whole, exclusive of the site, was £3251. The building, which was erected b v Mr G. White, reflects great credit oh the. architect, Mr Penlington, who has embodied in it the most up-to-date conveniences. Mr Howard (South Canterbury) some amusing reminiscenccs of his first visit to the spot, and said he wm pleased to sec among the teaclrmg staff pupils of his at Richmond. He besought those present to assist the committee and the staff in making the school a worthy rival of Richmond or St. Albans. Mr E. H. Andrews dwelt on the need for parents to assist tho teachers, as did Mr Brock. ■Mr AV. Baleli replied on behalf of himself and the staff. He reminded those present that Mr Andrews had challenged him in friendly rivalry to equal the St. Albans School. He accepted that challenge, and he and the staff with him, by conscientious work, enthusiasm, and energv, would spare no pains to make the school the equal of anv in the Dominion. Mr Langford. headmaster of the Richmond School,."having spoken, Mr Opie declared the school open. Afternoon ten was served in the schoolroom, while the children were regaled with cakes and soft drinks.