UNPROFITABLE ENDOWMENT

Northern Advocate, 25 November 1925, Page 2

UNPROFITABLE ENDOWMENT

OF WHANGAREI HIGH SCHOOL

PROPOSAL TO SELL

While other secondary schools have endowments which prove a valuable source of revenue the Whangarei High School is not so fortunate in the possession of a lucrative property. The possibility therefore of inducing the Department for Crown Lands to change its policy in regard to the sale of endowments and the advisibility in such an event of the Whangarei High School disposing of its property in the district was stressed by Mr H. W. Crawford at the meeting of the Board of Governors last evening. Mr Crawford said that some time ago a sub-committee went over the endowment with a view to ascertaining the possibility of roading one of the sections at least. When on the land the conclusion was reached that the Board was not in a financial position to deal with the property. Originally, when the Crown Lands Department was applied to to purchase it, the proposal was negatived. It was stated that it was not the Department's policy to allow High School Boards to sell endowments. He proposed that a deputation wait on the Minister of Lands, the Hon. A. D. McLeod, on Thursday with a view to getting him to go on the property and enlisting his support for the Government purchasing the land back ot a reasonable figure and allowing the Board to use the funds for development purposes. It was bad, added the speaker, that such a big area surrounding the borough should be in such condition. If it were sold it would be better for the district. Mr Crawford's motion was seconded by Mr D. A. McLean and after some discussion was carried. It was also decided to wait upon the Premier in the matter.