A SEAT OF LEARNING

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 180, 24 April 1924, Page 5

A SEAT OF LEARNING

NEW TECHNICAL COLLEGE COMMANDING EDIFICE ON MOUNT UOOK THE OPENING CEREMONY A distinct forward step in educational advancement in Wellington was made yesterday afternoon, when the handspme and commodious new Technical College, which has been erected ou a commanding site on Mount Cook, was officially opened by the Minister of Education (Hou. C. J. Parr) in the presence qf a largo attendance of the public. Tho chairman of the Technical Coll «ge Board of Governors (Mr. W. H. Bennett) presided, and amongst those on tho platform wore tho Hon. C. J ■ Parr and Mrs. Parr, the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.), tho Director of Education (M. J. Caughley), the Superintendent of Technical Schools (Mr. W. S. La Trobe), Mr. A. D. Riley (first director ot the Wellington Technical College), Sir John Luke, Mr. G. L. Stewart (secretary of the Wellington Education Board), Mr. T. Bal'Dingf r, and Mr. E. C. Isaac. The chairman traced the early history of technical education in Wellington from 1886 up to the present time. The board, he said, was greatly indebted to the Government and the City Council for the liberal financial assistance which had been given towards the erection of the present building. The director of the college (Mr. JH. Howell) outlined the programme contemplated for extensions to the college and grounds, and said that the new college was worthy of the city, would make a strong appeal to those able to assist ite aims. The Government's Felicitations. The Minister of Education, in declaring the now 'college open, offered the Board of Governors and the citizens of Wellington the Government's felicitations upon tho successful establishment of such a fine building. When he had taken office and had found the technical college students housed in’ shanties all over the city they had had not only .the sympathy but tlie compassion of the Minister of Education. They had in this site of six acres the finest situation which was enjoyed by any technical school in the Dominon. Iho ftte was valued at .£14,C00. and in addition the Government had made advances towards the cost of the building of not less than £47,233. Altogether the Government had advanced £63,000 towards the establishment of the buildung. It might be said that Wellington had received too much, but it was a pleasure to remedy the neglect of 80 years in providing a decent habitation lor teeuuioal education in Wellington He congratulated the director upon the spirited and successful fight he had put fopward to secure the new college. Ho wished, on behalf of the Government, to pay a tribute to the splendid help which had been given towards the college by the Wellington City Council, which had advanced no less than £l5 000 in cash towards the cost of the building. If the citizens would only follow the excellent lead which had been given by the City Council the college would have a prosperous career. In Mr. J. H. Howell they lad one .of the foremost educationists in the Lonnnion and ho was aided by a most competent staff. He hoped all the students would remain at the school for at least three years. The Minister then form, ally declared the new budding opened. On behalf of the school authorities, the chairman of the Board of Governors presented Mr. Parr with a key enclosed in a silver casket. Miss Hazel Julian, a pupil of V 1 ® college also presented Mrs larr with ?/fe n £rm beUTthl cheers were then given for 1 nre u i <» j vdn r n Hon. and alter the Minister National \nthem the the tinging Of the new budding ■ afternoon tea was ?,? a,«”p»u. »! ■!.. soience, class.