THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21464, 4 May 1935, Page 8

THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

NEW BUILDING AT | I'AI'ANIJI i REPORT BY CHAIRMAN OF i HOARD ] j The proposed new Technical CoJ- j lege building at Papanui was discussed i in Die report of Ihe chairman of the Board of Governors. Mr T. W. West, which was received at the board'.'." meeting last evening. The report also referred to the visits of the Minister for Education (the Hon. S. G. Smith) to the college and to the site on Langdon's road.

"The Minister's inspection on Wednesday was brief," said the report, "but in the last few days he has made himself fairly conversant with the activities of our school, and this has enabled him to arrive at the important decision that he made on Wednesday in connexion with our No. 2 school. We must admit the thoroughness with which he investigates matters placed before him, and this, with his obvicus interest in education, eminently fits him for the important position that lie is now holding. "We arc deeply indebted to members of Parliament and of the Legislative Council who supported us not only yesterday, but over a number of years, in our efforts to obtain a grant for our No. 2 school. The Pnpanui Progress League has been unceasing in its efforts, and we appreciate the assistance of Mr J. S. Earnett, president of the Trades and Labour Council. I am most grateful to members of outboard for attending in full force to meet the Minister yesterday, and he must have been impressed bv the genuine earnestness of the combined deputation that conferred with him. Immediate Action Needed "It is important that if possible we should endeavour to have the new school ready for occupation at the beginning of the school year of 1930. If the plans are prepared immediately they should be ready for the calling of tenders within two months, and this would enable the building to be ready by February 1, 1.936. I would therefore suggest that we go into thematter as fully as possible and give the Education Department immediately a statement of what rooms and workshops we consider should be provided in the building, with a request for immediate action through a Christchurch architect if there are not already drawings in Wellington. Unless the school is ready at the beginning of the next school year, it will be hard to bring it into use till 1937." Favourable consideration was hoped for in the request for bicycle accommodrtion and additional furniture. The building committee was empowered to deal with the plans for the new school.