ELTHAM SCHOOL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 27 April 1925, Page 2

ELTHAM SCHOOL.

A FINE BUILDING

OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW.

Tl will be acknowledged by everyone conversant with school matters in Eltham that the new school building, to he officially opened hv Sir James Pan- to-morrow, was long overdue. The former school was old, ugly and by no means fitted to, keep pace with the requirements of the fast growing population of the town and district. The records of the school show that of the old -building just partially vacated —for the new . school accommodates only standards II to VII the middle room on the road frontage was built in April, 1888, and that that was the .beginning of the scholastic work in Eltham. Two years, later, in August, JBBB, a room was built at the back of the other, and these two sufficed for the needs of the children of school age until two more rooms were added to the north, and again there was a spell,' this time of seven years until, in 1900, accommodation was added behind the other .part for infants. Seven years again ' elapsed before there was any more .building and then, in 1907, two more rooms were added to the northwest. This concluded the erection of buildings for the main school, but about 1908 a separate building was erected for a Technical School, and this has continued nlso to be used. These periodic building schemes are interesting as apparently marking successive periods of growth in the town and the consequent need for further accommodation. The first headmaster at Eltham was Mr. Binning, who remained about six years, then came Mr. Taliesin Thomas, who was in charge for 30 years, and in 1923 the present master, Mr. E. Bary, took charge. THE NEW SCHOOL.

The new school, which is to be opened to-morrow afternoon by the Minister of Education, stands on a most excellent site, just out of the .town to the south, 'with ample open space around for playing fields, and a fine outlook over the surrounding country. From a hygienic as from an artistic point of view, therefore, nothing could have been better chosen. The grounds lend themselves capitally to beautifying, and it may he added that the committee with admirable enthusiasm and foresight has a scheme mapped out and already under way. This activity is a great tribute and testimony to the keen interest taken by the committee and its able chairman, Mr. 'lra ‘J. Bridget-, fo r several years in the welfare of education generally, and of the school work in Eltham, in particular. When the scheme is complete the grounds will he so improved and beautified as to be vvorffijv of tbe very fine building. The school has a north-easterly aspect, .and is thus able to c-atch the sun the whole clay, as'the school rooms are on that' side* of the building, and the scholars frill tints have the brightest sunniest outlook. This is a consideration well wortli while, for it tends to promote health and vigour in the children and '.consequently leadst-to increased mental activity, and thus .again to better and more efficient allround work.

The ’building is long and narrow, measuring 174 ft. from east to west. The fine class-rooms into which this is ‘divided are 24ft. in' depth and Vary somewhat in width, three being 22ft. and two 26ft. each. At the extreme eastern end is a very up-to-date dental clinic 23ft. Iby 10ft., the- walls of which are perfectly white in colour, finished off in a very neat enamel.

The ceilings throughout are perfectly white with an indented surface that is very effective, but the walls of the class-rooms are tinted so as to take off the excessive glare of the whiteness. The effect is very restful to the eyes. .On the walls are blackboards which are easily run up and down as required. Thus the work of the teacher is materially lessened. The corridor which runs in from the front door and turns Loth ways to the whole length of the building is six feet deen. Off the corridor, just at the front, are rooms, one for the headmaster arid one for the staff.

HEATING AND VENTILATION.. Heating and ventilation are very marked features of the building, and both are probably as good as the most exacting could wish. The result is that the cold -weather rooms will always be warm, while in the heat of summer there wifi always be ample ventilation. For the Heating system a series of pipes containing water radiate in all directions from two central stoves arid these, going into every room ensure, warmth always, while, in addition, one pipe reaches down the centre of the cloak room and therefore is available for drying clothes in wet weather. Facilities for ventilation are amply provided. .Practically the whole of the front and back of the building is taken up with windows and all, by working a hand lever,' may he opened and kept open without the slightest trouble. There are no less than 283 sashes, meaning 84 complete windows, 33 of which, are on tie front wall. Practically no .detail that will tend to the convenience of the scholars is omitted. Besides the heating and ventilation facilities, there are washing troughs inside and bubble taps outside, so placed that the children cannot nut their mouths oji them, thus ensuring absolute hygienic conditions. The outhouses and sanitary conveniences are all in the latest pattern, and they are sp arranged as to ensure as near .perfect .cleanliness as could, he possible. ' The' whole buildings are well designed and thoroughly well erected, making altogether one of the best schools in the district, and one of which Eltham may justly be proud. It is well and truly built and will last for many . generations of scholars.