GIFT TO TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Manawatu Times, Volume XLXI, Issue 3480, 14 December 1926, Page 7

GIFT TO TECHNICAL SCHOOL

BOROUGH COUNCIL DONATES LAND. In order that the High School Board of Governors might be able to provide additional accommodation for Technical school pupils, the Borough Council has decided to hand over a piece of land at the corner of King and Princess street.

Tho section has a frontage of 66 feet to i’rinccss street, and a frontage of 110 feet to King street.

The Mayor reported that deputation comprising Messrs. J. A. Nash, M.P., W. P. Durvvard, W. Hunter, G. G. Hancox and T. R. Hodder had waited upon the Reserves committee in connection with the matter, and had pointed out that the borough had always been generous to education. On the other hand the Education Department had also dealt fairly with the town. Attention was directed to the fact that the Technical school could not admit another pupil, and it was quite beyond the finances of I the Department to build a new school. The only solution of the difficult was for the Board to build on the section opposite, hence the request of the deputation for tho gift of the land. It would be remembered that a portion of tho section had already been handed over to the Plunket Society. Cr. J. Hodgens, whilst not opposing tho gift, thought tho Council should make sure by a clause In tho gift deeds, that, if at any time the Board had no uso for tho section, they should be prevented from exploiting its value. Years ago a similar gift was made to the Board —a piece of land facing Rangitlkei street. The High School Board had since seen fit to place the property on the market at an enhanced value. He thought that steps should be taken to prevent similar action in respect of tho present gift. Ho also hoped that tho Board would think a second time before re-offering the Rangitikei street sections.

Cr. Fitzhorbert thought that the High School Board had been quite within its rights. Tho revenue from the leases would bo used for educational purposes. Cr. A. J. Hcßoavcy thought the Board should bo tied In some way and not allowed to play ducks and drakes with the gift. The Mayor remarked that the land could bo handed over on tho understanding that it was used solely to provide additional accommodation for the Technical school pupils. Cr. Edwards stated that he had been much annoyed to sen eight acres of reserve, for recreation purposes, handed over to education, and now leased for residential purposes. He didn’t like to sen money made out of reserves, as such was not intended. “It is the case of tho poor ratepayer again," added Cr. Edwards, “the poor dovil who has to put his hands in his pockets to keep tho country going.” He was not going to oppose the gift however, but. he hoped the land would tic used for educational purposes only, “'he Mayor: That will bo done.