CAMPBELL STREET SCHOOL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 968, 18 March 1924, Page 5

CAMPBELL STREET SCHOOL.

ACQUISITION OF SITE.

STATEMENT BY MAYOR,

At last night’s meeting of the Borough Council the Mayor, Mr F. J. Nathan, made a statement in connection with the action initiated by the council for the acquisition of the Campbell Street School site as a playing area. He recapitulated ■ the discussion lie had with the Minister of Education, Hon. C. J. Parr, on the occasion of that gentleman’s visit to Palmerston North recently. With reference to the departments estimated valuation of the property, £4OOO, the Mayor stated that the Minister had offered the land at half valuation payment to be spread over a period of five years. It had transpired since that accredited land agents in Palmerston North hud assessed the valuation at not moro than £2600. He suggested that the Minister be again approached and informed of the local agent’s valuation of the property, with a view to his giving favourable consideration to the matter. The question rested with the members of the council and it was tor them to decide as to whether or not an additional playgroud was needed in this particular locality in view of the valuation. To acquire the land would necessitate a loan which, however, he thought would bo carried by the ratepayers. -.The land acquired, the council's liabilities would not end there,, as a further £ISOO or i,2000 would bo necessary for expenditure on swings and the general conveniences of a playing area. While the whole proposal might, not find favour with many people who would consider the acquisition of the land extravagant, there was tho point that, in 50 years’ time, the area under discussion would probably be a very congested one. It was finally resolved that the Mayor continue the discussion on the subject with the Minister.