Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1923. TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 November 1923, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1923. TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

The great success attending the Technical School Fete is a matter for general gratification, not only because of the good it will confer on the school, but for the proof it gave that when the Grey district cares to exert itself, as good results can be achieved from communal effort here, as in any other part of the country. Grey needs this co-operative endeavour to achieve reforms in general, just as much as the Technical School required it in particular, and it is to be hoped that from time to time, notice will be taken of the district’s wants, and remedy

gradually effected. The State School-grounds, for instance, are greatly in need of attention —a wet day makes the playing area a danger to the limbs and health of the juveniles,—and there arc several avenues for similar community work. The will to help has rarely been lacking but initiative and organisation have been left to others, with the consequence that little or nothing has been. done. Allowing that the Technical School function was blessed with ideal weather for the occasion, the completeness of the success would not have been possible had not parents and friends, both in town and country—and the country districts deserve special commendation for their help—been really in earnest. If the usual Government subsidy is forthcoming, about £lOOO will be

available for the school grounds It was officially advertised that all the money collected would be “in aid of sports grounds equipment and material.” The sum in hand will be none to( much, as the drainage of tin ground will be an expensive affair and sports equipment for the large number of scholars attending the school will be extensive. Patron; of the fete should find ample re turn for their money in the future spectacle of a proper playground modernly equipped, and one result should be a winning ol more athletic laurels for the dis trict. The fete was not devised tc raise money for objects which should be solely departmental re spomsibilities, and any temptation to use the money now in hand for purposes other than those advertised, should be resisted, as it would be a breach of faith, and would greatly hamper the success of-similar future functions. Doubtless the Technical School needs more internal equipment, but this should be obtained through the usual channels, failing Which, another appeal might be made to the school’s friends. Meanwhile, the Director and his staff can be congratulated on the advance the school is making. It must be difficult work establishing a. new school on healthy lines. Everything desirable cannot be accomplished in the first year, but if relative success is gained in each coming year as has been won in 1923. the district will have cause to be proud of its Technical School, which is the most important educational institutionin our midst. In conclusion, we may be permitted to add that- one of (he most, pleasant, recollections of the recent fete will be the hearty

assistance forthcoming from the Marist and Convent schools Difference of thought in one direc tion should not, in itself, prevent unity of effort in others, and it is to be hoped that both private anc public schools in this district, wil] in future co-operate to eact other’s advantage, when suitable occasion offers.