NEW HEATING SYSTEM

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26674, 7 March 1952, Page 3

NEW HEATING SYSTEM

CANTERBURY COLLEGE INSTALLATION CABINET APPROVAL OF PROJECT Thq installation of a new heating system at Canterbury University College has bea» approved by the Cabinet. Talks are expected to bpgin soon with the Ministry of Works about the preparation of plans, ready for the calling of tenders. The delay in starting this work was one of the main reasons why the College Council decided last year to inform the Government of its intention to begin £50,000 worth of arrears of maintenance, in anticipation of authority. When the heating plant estimate was last presented to the council, a figure of £lB,OOO was mentioned.

Authority has been given to call tenders for the supply of fire escapes and fire alarms tor tne college.

These developments recall a long report on protracted negotiations presented- to the College Council in March last year. In December, 1948, the professor of mechanical engineering was asked to report on the provision of new heating equipment, and estimated the cost at £12,745. In March, 1949, the council reported on the plan to the University Grants Committee, but received no acknowledgement. In October, the Acting-Director of Education wrote that he would advise further about the prospects of a grant. The Director of Education (Mr C. E. Beeby), after his return from overseas in November, 1949, said the Ministry of Works had been asked to report on the proposals. Eventually, the college staff were asked to act. The heating plant, fire escapes, stonework, and other maintenance were estimated to cost £50,500 in the middle of 1950. Later the University Grants Committee agreed to submit the heating plan for a grant, and after some waiting, the council asked for action. Early last year the University Grants Committee asked questions to “get a clear picture of the whole situation.” The College' Council claimed that all questions had been answered many times before. It then passed a resolution expressing its intention to begin spending the first instalment of £50.000 worth of maintenance and ask the Government to cover it with a grant.