ADDITIONS TO SCHOOL

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 210, 3 June 1935, Page 8

ADDITIONS TO SCHOOL

New Buildings Opened at Johnsonville EFFORTS OF COMMITTEE “To me, wherever children are gathered together is a real delight,” said the Minister of Education, Hon. S. G. Smith, when he opened the new buildings at Johnsonville School on Saturday afternoon. The Minister congratulated tlie school committee on its efforts in obtaining the new amenities. Addressing the many children assembled to greet him, the Minister said they should be thankful that they were still children at a time when the country was passing through difficult times. Children did not always realise the sacrifices parents had often to make for them to ensure their coming to,school decently clad and decently fed. He ‘contrasted modern conditions with those of his own schooldays, when education was administered largely with a supplejack. “Mine is the most important portfolio in the Cabinet—looking after the children of New Zealand,” said the Minister. He pointed out that he had 275,000 school children under his care. When they ciime to leave school as young men and women confronted with the task' of obtaining a position in the world, they would find that there were always .more applicants than were required,’.and that character and education were the qualifications that would secure them tlie job. That was what their teachers were doing for them now —giving them an education and shaping their characters. After the Minister had spoken, the chairman of tlie school committee, Mr. S. 11. D. I’cryniiin. handed him the key of the new buildings, which lie declared open and then inspected. Splendidlysituated on a sunny hillside above the old schoolhouse, they include capacious classrooms and lobbies for the children, and studies for headmaster and. staff. Later in the afternoon, tea was served, and there were several informal speeches. Among those present were Mr. W. 11. Field, M.P., Mr. P. Robertson, of the Education Board, Mr. Francis Bennett, headmaster of the school from 1883 to 1886, Mr. W. Binet-Brown, the present headmaster, and Mr. G. A. Lawrence, chairman of the town board.