EDUCATIONAL MATTERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 198, 22 July 1926, Page 8

EDUCATIONAL MATTERS

CUBA STREET SITE TO BE PURCHASED. RUSSELL STREET PURCHASE URGED. At a meeting of the -Wanganui Education Board held last various matters relative .to the educational importance of Palmerston North were discussed. . ' It was reported that the request of a grant for the purchase of the Cuba; street site had been authorised, arid' it was resolved to proceed with the proposal, the land to be held for use in the future. In regard to the Board’s proposal to acquire a section in Russell street, the combined -School committees of Palmerston North forwarded a letter supporting the matter. The department in its first letter was inclined to favour the idea that the site was too near the land proposed to be acquired at Milson’s- line for a school to meet the needs of the railway workers’ children. ••

Mr Birnie pointed out that the school site at Milson’s and that situated in Russell street were entirely apart from each other. The one would serve a restricted purpose outside the town, while the other would be essential to a population living close to the town. He urged that the board press the acquisition of the Russell street site and this was agreed to. The resolution will be forwarded to the department. Mr Durwood: I think we will get a school at Russell street. They have not definitely turned it down. Mr Birnie: I hope the board will keep its eye on the matter. In the course of the meeting, the chairman, Mr W. A. Collins, reported that extensions to the school building at.Kopane had been completed, ihus finishing the improvements, except for the painting work. The department notified that a grant for a new school at Rongotea ad been authorised. It was resolved to write the department accepting the offer and the board is making further representation in connection with the new school.

The teacher’s request for repairs at the school residence, Awahuri, was referred to the architect for a report. The West End School Committee made a request for a wooden floor in the - quadrangle. The letter stated that the concrete floor was always damp, causing much discomfort and ill-health among the children. The committee could not see such conditions continue, and they offered a contribution of £l2O, being half the total cost involved. Mr Birnie moved, and Mr Durwood seconded, that the request be acceded to, this being carried. The latter said it was sad to learn of children shivering in the cold while standing in the quadrangle. The West End school committee had made a fine offer and it was decided to press the department in regard to the request.