HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ HOSTEL

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3288, 6 March 1926, Page 6

HIGH SCHOOL G IRLS’ HOSTEL

OFFICIAL OPENING BY SIR JAS. PARR. The Palmerston North Girls’ High School hostel in College street, was opened ollicially by the Minister of Education, Sir James Parr, yesterday afternoon. Mr. J. A. Nash. M.P., said it had to be remembered that it was largely through the generosity of the Mini-1 ster that it had been possible to have a hostel in conenction with the school. Endeavours to secure a building had ben made for a long time past; in fact, a promise had been made by the then Minister. Sir Francis Bell, that a hostel would be erected twelve months after his visit. Because of j the slump, however, it had not been possible for the promise to be kept, and the Education, Board had felt that it could not press for an up-to-date building at that time. Sir James had done as much as he could to redeem the promise of his predecessor; and although he had stated that he could not entertain the erection of new brick premises, he had done much to help to secure the building which had been purchased to house the girls. Parents would view with a great deal of satisfaction the fact that they now had a home where they could send their girls and where they know they would be looked after properly. Now that the Education Department had given them the hostel, he was sure that any application for extensions would be granted when the time came. Mr. *W. F. Durward, a member of the Wanganui Education Board, referred to the generous treatment Palmerston North had received at the hands of Sir James. They had also to be very grateful for the grant made for the hostel. The Minister, in the course of his remarks, congratulated Mr. Nash on his assiduity in the interests of edu r cation in Palmerston North. The speaker was very pleased to be to perform the opening ceremony.' for he believed every large high school should have a hostel. The Government had done a good deal to provide them throughout New Zealand; Indeed, an Australian educationist who had visited the. Dominion had remarked on the number of enicient, wellconducted boarding establishments he had 'seen.;, . ■ . ■ Hostels ■ had many advantages, especially whieh connected with girls’ schools. Such establishments should be largely for' the daughters of farmers. for they gave the girls an opportunity for higher education, which would otherwise have been denied them. Sir James remarked on the fine building and grounds which had been secured. The hostel was another incident in the enormous expansion of Palmerston North, a go-ahead spirit prevailed and the town was destined to become one of the great Inland cities of the Dominion. Its geographical position would make it great both In population and wealth. In conclusion, the Minister paid a tribute to the work of Miss C. B. Mills as lady principal of the school, and remarked on the scholarships which had been gained by the pupils. There was no better institution of its kind in the Dominion. Sir James then officially opened the hostel. Those present at the ceremony were entertained at afternoon tea In the building.