GRANVILLE SCHOOL.

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 June 1922, Page 7

GRANVILLE SCHOOL.

(To the Editor). Sir, —Will you kindly insert in the columns of the “Evening Star” the following facts in reference to the origin of the Granville school bunding.

I have been a resident of the Granville district since 1870, and am in a position to give a correct statement of the case, as follows :■ —-The first visit of the Rev. Thomas Flavelle to Granville and Half Ounce took place in January, 1873. While on that visit, and on several occasions afterwards, he conversed with Mr. John Askenbeck, in reference to the erection of a church in the district. Subsequently a meeting was convened and a church committee

formed, consisting of the following:— George Glass (Duffers), James Young and George Erickson (Granville), Colin Algie, William Ferguson and John Askenbeck (Half Ounce). The credit is due to those gentlemen for their energy and perseverance in getting the Anglican Church erected at the junction of Half Ounce, Granville and Duffers. The opening took place on November 9, 1874, with a tea meeting, followed by a concert in the evening, 'lhe Rev. Thomas Flavelle, of Ahaura, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Cross, of Reefton, presided. The amount to defray tile cost of the building was obtained from the Church funds. It was not till there was no other room suitable in Granville that socials and other entertainments were held in the church. For that purpose permission was obtained from the Church Committee. In 1893, Samuel Mackley, who had previously been chosen to till the position Vacated by Mr. George Glass, was absent on a visit to England. Mr. John Askenbeck was then the only one of the Committee residing in the district. At that time a school was much needed in Granville, and for that purpose he gave the Church building over, in writing, to the Education Board. lurther details are unnecessary. It is only in justice to those who have all passed away, that I have brought this matter before your readers. I have been informed that an ap-

plication for the purchase of the building. chiefly for the iron that was on the root, had been forwarded to the Education Board. In reply that body stated that they intended to dispose of the building by tender. Yours faithfully, S. J. ASKENBECK. Orwell Creek.