GYMNASIUM AT HIGH SCHOOL

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27190, 6 November 1953, Page 8

GYMNASIUM AT HIGH SCHOOL

APPROVAL DECLINED BY DEPARTMENT THIRD APPLICATION TO BE MADE Another application for the erection of a gymnasium at the Christchurch Boys’ High School has been rejected by the Education Department on the ground that classrooms must take priority and also that the school, which possesses a hall, could not be granted a gymnasium ahead of big schools which have neither. The Board of Managers will make yet another request for the building with claims (1) that it has been agreed that memorial halls should not be used as gymnasiums; (2) that even i* the hall was used the school would still need a gymnasium because it gualifies for two physical education instructors whose charges require extensive space; (3) that this training, being compulsory, is entitled to the same priority as classrooms. The Education Department said it was not in a position to give more favourable consideration than at the time of the original application. Classrooms must have first attention. Apart from this, the Boys’ High School could not be given priority over others without an assembly hall or a gymnasium. The headmaster (Mr J. Leggat) said the school had two physical education teachers approved, indicating the extent of this instruction. It was believed that the department appreciated the feeling against memorial halls being used as gymnasiums. Even if the hall Were used, the size of roll and extent of activities would well justify a separate gymnasium. A gymnasium was apparently not regarded as a classroom by the Education Department, said Mr George Guy, yet the regulations prescribed physical education. In a smaller school it might be possible toxearrange accommodation, but with a roll as in Christchurch indoor accommodation was essential. “I find it astounding that the department does not regard a gymnasium as essential in a big school,” said the chairman (Mr C. W. Hamann). Mr W. C. Colee moved the motion that the board make a fresh case on the basis of physical education being an important part of post-primary training.