Buller Technical College Board of Managers

Grey River Argus, 20 August 1949, Page 8

Buller Technical College Board of Managers

At the annual meeting of the Westport Technical College Board of Managers, Mr G. Hickford was nominated as a member to represent the industrial unions. The Ministry of Works advised that it was givingconsideration to the playing area situated in the centre of Patterson Park. It would be advantageous if the Board could purchase land instead of leasing an area. It was, however, decided that Patterson Park was the only suitable area available. Two other areas were mentioned, but were rejected, namely an old whippet track, and land bordering the depot road, and the tidal basin of the Orowaiti. For the latters, costs of filling in and reclaiming would be excessive, whereas Patterson Park needs very little work to develop a line playing area. Mr J. M. Robertson was unanimously re-elected chairman. Nelson Education Board advised that, a representative would shortly be paving a visit to the school to go into the costs of maintaining the building and grounds. The Principal said the architect of the Nelson Education Board had informed him that he had finalised plans for the new block. Concern was expressed at the state of the Westport Community Centre. Mrs Risdale mentioned the fact that the Community Centre was used by all and sundry. Its condition was such as to warrant immediate attention. The chairman said the Community Centre was owned by Nelson Education Board, but if the local Board could obtain interim custody of the Community Centre, it would save a lot of expense. It would only be a temporary measure tq put into effect urgent and necessary repairs until the War Memorial Fund Committee had raised sufficient money to convert the building into the proposed Memorial. In the meantime, he said, all maintenance would be handled by the Board, and it would eventually be able to hand over the Centre as a going concern. It was moved by Mrs Risdale, and seconded by Mr S. A.tkinson and carried that the Board’s proposal to take over interim custody of the Community Centre be supported. Mrs Risdale and Mr J. D. Macdonald were chosen to represent the Board at the Technical Educational Association’s conference. It was decided to forward a letter of congratulation to Mr J. Levy, an ex-pupil, on his obtaining a bursary at the Edinburgh University. Mrs Bryce reported on her official visit to the school in company with Mr S. Atkinson, and drew attention to bad lighting in the interior office. Some rooms appeared to be quite grubby. A new mirror was necessary in the girls’ cloak room at the east end. Mr Macdonald said the wiring system was inadequate for the present load, and he would instal a temporary “daylight” bulb in the office. It was decided to endeavour to replace the work-benches in the woodworking class room. As several mr/.'ers were outstanding with the Education Department, especially that of Patterson Park, which needed finalising to permit an early sowing of grass, it was decided to have Mr G. D. Macdonald personally present his report before the Department in Wellington.