Riccarton H.S. offered old school for camp

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32869, 18 March 1972, Page 22

Riccarton H.S. offered old school for camp

“Very serious interest” in the offer of the old Kokiri School and grounds near Stillwater for use as a school camp was expressed by the Riccarton High School board of governors at its meeting on Wednesday. The board decided to notify the Canterbury Education Board, which made the offer of the prbperty, of its interest while awaiting reports from school staff members on the property. The building, erected in 1892, and the five acres of grounds had been offered to Cashmere High School, which had declined them because of the money which would have to be spent, the headmaster (Mr T. Hitchings) told the board.

The building, now in one long room plus toilets, needed some work but seemed basically sound, he said. The land was well-kept, and the countryside varied and unlike any Riccarton pupils would be used to.

The economics of the proposal must be studied, he said, as must such things as safety, scope for activities, and the amount of use the building would be likely to get, Mr Hitchings said. He suggested that a party from the staff, board, and ParentTeacher Association inspect the property. “In some ways it is a very attractive offer,” Mr Hitchings said. "There is no likelihood of anything better being offered to us free.” Professor M. Gage said he

was very pleased to hear of the offer, and emphasised that any project would depend on the support of the P.T.A. He hoped the school would be able to accept the offer.