GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL PLAYING AREA

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26119, 23 May 1950, Page 3

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL PLAYING AREA

NO GRANT FOR CLEARING ROSS SITE There was probably no post-primary school in New Zealand so lacking in playing facilities as the Christchurch Girls’ High School, said the chairman of the school’s board of managers (Mr G. A. G. Connal) at last evening’s meeting of the board. Mr Connal was comjnenting on a letter received from the Education Department in reply to a request from the board for a grant to cover the cost of clearing the Ross site and laying it in asphalt for a playing area. “We are fully aware of the difficult position in which your board is placed in providing adequate recreation space for the pupils of this school, but in view of the considerable sum already committed for ground work this year it is regretted that we are unable to recommend a grant immediately,” said the letter. “The proposition will be kept in view, and in the meantime your board should consult the College Council to ensure that the land will not be disposed of. The site was purchased by the college from its own funds.” Mr S. J. Irwin spoke of arrangements he had made with the Minister of Education (Mr R. M. Algie) to inspect the site during his recent visit to Christchurch. “I am told that he drove into the school yard, and that he drove along the ‘Ross’ site, but did not leave his car,” he said. “A departmental officer told me before he ever went near the school that the case was quite hopeless. I feel that it was settled before any inspection was made,” he added. “I am very sorry to report that we got absolutely nothing from the Minister.” Mr Irwin said that the board should urge reconsideration of the matter. “I think we should state that unless something is done we will be compelled. at the beginning of the year, to restrict the roll number until we can offer prospective pupils reasonable facilities.” he said. The headmistress (Miss J. I. Stewart) said that the roll number on March 1 was 616. More than 100 enrolments had already been received for next year. “The question of providing accommodation is the pigeon of the Government, not ours.” said Mr Irwin. He suggested that it might be possible to have an inspection made by the Prime Minister. “Everything does not always come to him who waits. The Prime Minister said that education would be the last to suffer. “It is unfortunate that the Minister of Education was here in vacation time. If he could have seen the crowd of girls here in the backyard—that is all you can call it—he would have been impressed.” Mr Irwin said. It was agreed that the matter be reopened with the Minister, and that he be asked to pay an early visit to the school while it is in session, so that he may see the over-crowded conditions both in the school and in the grounds.