Abandoned Schools Now Home Of Birds And Pigs

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28104, 20 October 1956, Page 12

Abandoned Schools Now Home Of Birds And Pigs

"The Press' Special Service

HAMILTON, 19. Old, abandoned schools that were the home of birds and pigs, others that were used for storing hay, and one that was complete!/ “lost” for several years were mentioned at a meeting oi the South Auckland Education Board. Members were discussing what happened to a school building once it was handed over to the Commissioner of Crown Lands. The chairman, (Mr J. M. McWhannell), suggested that “it might be worth while looking around and seeing what old schools there are. It might also be worth while writing to the commissioner to see what is being done about them.” The secretary-manager. (Mr K. C. M. Cockerill), reported that an old school site and building, situated half a mile from a new school at Matira, was surplus to requirements. He recommended that it be handed over to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for disposal. Mr E. R. Mellsop said he would like to know what was supposed to be done with an old school after it had been declared surplus. In his district there was one which could have been useful but which had been allowed to deteriorate. At Horahora there was another school that had been absolutely “lost” for several years. No one knew it existed till it was found in the teatree scrub one day. Mr Cockerill said that, in at least 50 per cent, of cases where a school was being closed, the school committees or local authorities asked to be allowed to retain it as a public hall or- recreation centre. Mr W. J Inskip reported that there was a school in his district which was unused except by birds and pigs. In another, hay was being stored. He knev> of a school which was put up for sale by the old Auckland Education Board and which was abandoned when the board failed to get the price it wanted. The school was still there. It was deteriorating. The stove, sink and other fittings were unused and the windows were broken. “That must have been some time ago.” said Mr Cockerill. Boards no longer had power to sell or buy schools, he said. If a board was reasonably certain that an old school building would never again be needed.

it was declared surplus and handed over to the Lands Department. If there was any doubt the board could retain the school and be paid a maintenance allowance. It was then the board s duty to keep the school in good repair. Mr WcWhannell suggested that board members find out what old schools remained unused in their districts. The board decided to declare the Matira school surplus.