REQUEST FROM NAPIER

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 5, 6 July 1923, Page 10

REQUEST FROM NAPIER

An influential deputation, representing the Napier Hi<rh School Board of Governors, the Napier Chamber of Commerce, as weir as other local interests,waited upon-tho Prime Minister and the Minister of Education yesterday with a, request for a grant that would enable tho erection of the new Napier Hi^h School to proceed immediately. The members of the deputation, who*were introduced by Mr. L. M'llvride, M.P emphasise the inadequacy of tho present building and commented severely upon its dilapidated state. They needed a school that would accommodate 300 boys, including 100 boarders. The total estimated cost of the new school was £60,000, of which sum £13,000.had been found locally. It was desired that thGovernment should find the" remainder.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Education both agreed as to the need for a. new school/ . The Prime Minister however, sajkl. that the board was asking for too much. In the face of the hugo demands - that -were bein? mada upon the Government the sum of £47.000 could not be found for Napier. It would cost the Government at least £5,000,000 to satisfy all tho : demands made for grants, for educational,expenses.' Such a large amount could be provided only if taxation was increased, and he refused to increase the taxation. I£. ..the-board, could see,its. way to cut down', ,its*,estimates. tho"^Government might be able'to'find two-thirds of the amount, required.' As' Finance Minister he'would' .do-his best in that direction. ",