TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 November 1939, Page 5

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

NEW BLOCK OPENED The new engineering and woodwork block at the Greymouth Technical High School was opened at the annual lete, yesterday afternoon, by the Mayor, Mr. F. A. Kitchingham. Performing the ceremony and dedicating the building for the purpose for which it was erected', Mr. Kitchingham said it was a red-letter day in the history of the school. The work had been accomplished by the generosity of the Government which had provided the whole of the funds required. Day by day the school was being improved and before long the new Home Science block would be an accomplished fact. Urging the boys and girls to make the most of their opportunities, the Mayor said' that they had far greater facilities than the students of an earlier generation and should take advantage of them. It was essential that the boys and girls should pull their weight with their teachers and do their best while at school so that when they became 21 they would have sufficient balance' and knowledge to become worthy citizens of a great country. The Principal, Mr. W. M. Stewart thanked the .Mayor for opening the new block, and invited’ all present to inspect the buildings. Although for a great many years they had been neglected, he said they were now proud to know that they had the most up-to-date engineering and woodwork block in the Dominion. They were grateful to the Education Department for making that possible, and also for providing the new equipment for the science laboratory. He added that he hoped that before long that that, they would be able to make a start with the Assembly Hall to which the funds raised by the fete would be devoted.

The new block erected in wood and iron, is built on modern lines, features being the ample lighting and airiness. The engineering workshop is provided with the most modern equipment. A costly gear cutting machine, and a large south-bend lathe are prominent features of the valuable equipment installed whilst the numerous devices for use by the pupils rival those of the workshops of many factories. The smithy adjoining, contains several blast furnaces as well as the usual plant of the latest type of smithy. In the centre of the block, an excellently lighted trade drawing room, for use by both engineering and woodwork classes is provided. Adjoining the drawing room, a photographic dark room has been equipped to enable blue prints to be made. The woodwork shop is divided into two sections, one of which contains the latest types of electrical operated circular and band saws, planer, shap-. er, borer and lathes. These machines were all in operation yesterday, the boys being engaged on the making of coat-hangers, which were offered for sale. The large room is to be used for handwork classes. The rooms are provided with separate heating furnaces, whilst the stainless steel washing trough in the cloak room is provided with hot water from a separate service operated with a coke furnaceThe science laboratory at the school has also been re-designed and equipped. There are kauri tops on all benches, with special provision for the covering of sinks enabling the benches to be used as tables. Ample cupboards and drawers are provided giving accommodation for 30 pupils with comfort under ordinary working conditions. An automatic water still, delivering four pints an hour and a glass blower are features of the modern equipment.