PIHAMA SCHOOL OBSOLETE

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 20 April 1935, Page 8

PIHAMA SCHOOL OBSOLETE

NEW BUILDING REQUESTED. RANKED FIRST IN URGENCY. Built 52 years ago the Pihama school is claimed to be beyond repair and the Taranaki Education Board lias decided to ask the department lor a grant for the erection of a new school.

“The school is obsolete,” said Mr C. H. Moore ,t’he board’s architect, after a deputation had waited on the Taranaki Education Board on Wednesday. Mr J. S. Tosland said the deputation asked for a new school to replace the one that had served the district for 48 years. During that period it had depreciated considerably, and to-day it was quite unsuitable for the purpose it served. It had now reached a stage where it could not provide adequate .comfort for the children,, many of whom had to travel long distances. It was draughty, and the roof was beyond repair. Whter poured into the porch and through the roof into the main room.” The floor and central partition shook badly with every gale. It was felt the school -was not fair accommodation for a progressive teacher, and the parents considered the time had arrived when a new building was essential.

Mr W. A. Sheat said the building had outlived its usefulness. It was not a case for repair, but replacement. The committee realised the position ol the board and that it would have done something before if it had been possible. The board recognised the .school was one of the worst in the district, and the deputation asked that the case be treated as one of utmost urgency.. The school had served a long period, and it was felt the deputation was justified in asking the board to forward an application to the department outlining the position, and asking for a grant for a new school.

The condition of the Pihama school was recognised by the board, and the school was placed second on the list of urgent works, said Mr W. H. Jones. Actually, the school was built 52 years ago and renovations were made in 1919. He assured the deputation that the board appreciated the position. After the withdrawal of the deputation Dr W. T. Thomson urged that the school should be placed first on the list of urgent works. Mr J. McAllister pointed out that Fitzroy had a very strong case. He did not favour a change in the ranking. though he recognised the position at Pi'hama.

Mr Jones said if it were impossible to remedy the leaks it was more than time a new building was provided. It was agreed to rank Fitzroy and Pihama equal first in urgency, and to advise the department of the age and condition of the Pihama school and the difficulty of repair. A grant for a new school will be asked for.