NEV EDUCATION OFFICE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29178, 12 April 1960, Page 14

NEV EDUCATION OFFICE

Delay In Converting Building (From Our Oum Reporter; WELLINGTON, April 11. It is now believed unlikely that the regional office of the Department of Education which will be established in the old St Margaret’s College building in Cranmer square will be fully operative before October. Originally it was hoped to complete all transfer work by July, but the task of converting the old building is proving more difficult than expected. It is expected that the Ministry of Works will calf tenders for the reconstruction of the building in about a fortnight Specifications are now being drawn up, after a survey which has taken longer than expected. It is understood that, apart from the problems encountered in subdividing old classrooms into office accommodation. heating and lighting have provided tbelr own difficulties. Reconstructed, the building will accommodate about 75 persons. These will include the district executive officer (Mr J. F. Mills), who will be in charge of the office, his clerical staff, and the present ' Canterbury team of primary and post-primary inspectors, physical education officers, instructors in arts and crafts, and vocational guidance advisers. The regional office will handle all matters relating to achool buildings, teachers* salaries, transport, and examinations for the

Canterbury, Otago, and Southland school districts.