TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 217, 18 August 1925, Page 8

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

COUNCIL DOES NOT FAVOUR PURCHASE. PRICE ABOUT £19,000. The proposed acquisition of the Technical School building by the Borough Council for the purposes of a public library and museum was again before the latter body at last night’s meeting, when a letter was received from tlie Technical School Committee intimating that it would like to place the sale of 'the site and buildings before the council for its consideration. It was remarked by the Mayor that ho bad boon in conversation with two members of the Education Board and ho understood that on no account would the building he sold for less than its value —about £19,000. In view of that, be assumed that tho council did not desire to further pursue the proposal for its acquisition. Crs.: No. It was then agreed to take no further action in the matter. The question was re-opened later, however, when the following section of the librarian’s report was under consideration: With regard to the proposed suggestion for a new library building, may 1 be permitted once more to emphasise the urgent need tor new library premises. The present building is by no means a credit to such a large and flourishing centre of population as our community, either in size or appearance. It is cramped; it is quite inadequate to properly accommodate the continually increasing mass of memfbers; it is bv no means sanitary, and it is badly exposed to flying dust and smoke fiom passing trains. I have visited the lechmcal School and have carefully looked ovei the premises. I consider that the building with but little alteration could he made into a most excellent public library and museum combined, as there is abundance of space. Ibis would be preferable to thy alternative suggested—the Municipal Hall. Cr. Oram who had not been present earlier, when informed of what had transpired, declared that the Education Board had nothing whatever to do with the sale of the present school and site. The two members with whom tho Mavor had conversed were opposed to shifting from the present school site, lie said, and lie assured the council that such a matter was purely one tor henctcinarters in >\ ellington. _ The Mayor said that the council could not‘consider buying at £19,000. It was remarked by Cr. Oram that be could not see any good in “turning down” the suggested purchase of tho Technical School without proper consideration. They had ample time to deliberate il the matter was held ovei, he reminded the council. It was therefore decided to hold over further consideration of the project, in deference to Cr. Oram’s views. The works committee recommended that, in tho matter of the inquiry of the Technical School Committee concerning the sale to it of tho section opposite the Technical School at the corner of Duke and King streets, the council intimate that it is willing to accept £2OOO for the site. The recommendation was approved.