New Whangarei Girls’ High School, Hostel Opened

Northern Advocate, 28 June 1943, Page 2

New Whangarei Girls’ High School, Hostel Opened

An outstanding event in the history of secondary education in Whangarei was the official opening of the Whangarei High School girls’ new hostel (Lupton House) and school on Saturday • afternoon by the Minister for Education (Mr H. G. R. Mason) There was a large, and representative gathering of citizens, many of whom had been associated with the school in its early life. The ceremony took place at the main entrance to the new hostel, the platform for the official party being surrounded by a profusion of flowers.

The official party comprised the Minister and Mrs Mason, the chairman of the Board of Governors (Mr G. A. Eethell) and Mrs Bethell, and the principal (Mr A. R. Ryder). Apologies were received from Mr J. G Earclay and Mrs Barclay, Mrs A. R. Ryder, the contractor (Mr A. Walker) and clerk of works (Mr A Powell). The flags of the various girls’ school houses were appropriately flown in the entrance grounds to the hostel. Prior to the opening ceremony, Mrs Mason was presented. with a beautiful bouquet of violets by one of the school girls, Toni Bryson, on behalf of the school. In Contract Time

The chairman (Mr Bethell), in welcoming the Minister and Mrs Mason, said that in 1937 negotiations with Mr Farser, then Minister for Education, were started for a girls’ new school and hostel. The necessity was readily conceded, but some time elapsed before any progress was made. “We are most fortunate in these troublous times to have such up-to-date structures completed in contract time,” said Mr Bethell. “Due to shortage and high costs the board has not been able to complete the furnishing as we would wish,” continued Mr Bethell, “but an inspection will show they are of a high standard and provide for comfort. The principal’s records showed that the Whangarei High School ranked well above the average in passes for such examinations as public service and matriculation. Mr Bethell placed on record the board’s and his own appreciation of the real personal interest taken by the Minister in the building and furnishing of the two blocks. Not Material Things Only Mr Ryder said the new Lupton House replaced a wooden building first opened in 1912 as a boarding house for approximately 20 boys, under the late Mr Roger Lupton. Later a new Carruth House was built to provide the necessary increased accommodation for the boys; and at the same time the old building, Lupton House, was opened as a girls’ hostel with 35 boarders. Miss Haselden was then mistress in charge, and she was followed by Miss Lamb, Miss Cathie, Miss Mirrielees, Miss Himmel, Miss Hall and Miss Gannell. Boarders came from as far north as Parapara, and south as far as Kaipara Flats. “Our houses are not intended merely as sleeping and feeding houses,” said Mr Ryder, “but are homes for our boys and girls in which their welfare, and upbringing are the first considerations.”

Girl boarders received special training in physical education, dressmaking, art, etc. The Lupton House girls had wen every championship for the p-- st year in all sections of the girls’ competitions. The architect (Mr A. P. Morgan) thanked the Government for entrusting the work to private practitioners This had been amply justified, the contractor (Mr Walker) and his men doing a splendid job of work. He presented Mr Mason with a silver inkwell and stand, in place of the usual gold key. The Minister’s Speech Mr Mason thanked the architect for his handsome present. In speaking to the Hon. Mr Barclay a few days ;'go, Mr Barclay stated he hoped tc be present today, and he specially f.sked Mr Mason to apologise for him if he were unable to be present. When the needs of the Whangarei High School in the matter of two additional buildings, were first brought before him, he thought of at least four or five other schools whose needs were equal to those of Whangarei. He thought that one building was surely enough, until the wants of other districts were equally supplied, and it could then come back to Whangarei’s turn for the second building. But Mr Barclay, for whose absence on Saturday he apologised, was so insistent, and made such a good case that Whangarei got the two buildings. “Whangarei definitely owes to Mr Barclay these two buildings,” said the Minister. “If the buildings had not been started at that time, they would have been held over indefinitely.” Up-To-Date Facilities

On the Minister declaring the buildings open, the chairman stated they were now available for public inspection, and those present took full advantage of the invitation. Many expressions of admiration were heard, both for the design and construction of the buildings as well as the furnishings. One citizen of over 50 years’ residence in Whangarei remarked that she never hoped to live to see such magnificent educational facilities provided for this district. In her opinion Whangarei and Northland had a remarkable asset in the High School. This was typical of the general opinions expressed* Both the school and hostel are the most modern and up-to-date, and have been designed to give the greatest amount of sunlight, air, comfort and efficiency. The buildings have been erected and grounds prepared on the most modern design. The total cost of both buildings is approximately £57,000. After their inspection the Minister and Mrs Mason expressed their great pleasure and admiration for the way the buildings had been completed, and the arrangements for the health, comfort, and efficiency of the pupils, both at the school and hostel. They were especially pleased at the furnishings provided, in view of the shortage of supply and high ccst. Mrs Mason praised the taste displayed by those responsible for choosing the colour scheme, and for the general arrangement of the furnishings which made for brightness as well as comfort and utility. Visitors and friends were entertained by the school staff and pupils to afternoon tea. “Will Have to Wait Turn” Little or no hope is entertained by the Minister for Education (Mr. H. G. R. Mason) for the early construction of two more dormitories for the Girls’ High School at Whangarei. In bringing the matter under the notice of the Minister at. the official opening of the new hostel and school on Saturday, the chairman of the Board of Governors (Mr. G. A. Bethell) said that the new hostel was already full to capacity. He asked the Minister to consider favourably the

provision of two additional dormitories. Fortunately, said Mr. Bethell, the main block was designed to allow for double the present sleeping accommodation. The board also had an excellent case to present for a further wing * at Ihe Girls’ School, said Mr Bethell. The Principal (Mr. A. R. Ryder) said that the addition of the girls’ block, while relieving the position, did not provide much more room. It superseded the original wooden school, and while the new building was excellent in every way, it was not big enough. A library, sewing-room, type-writing and shorthand rooms, and biological laboratory were urgently required. Mr.’ Ryder pointed out that during the last 15 years the number on the roll had risen from 250 to over 900— a record for the school. The Minister expressed pleasure that the two new buildings, which he had the pleasure of opening, were so highly appreciated, as indicated by the chairman and principal. “I wish I could say that the new buildings asked for will come along within a reasonable time, but I am unable to do so,” he continued. “Buildings will be Greeted as far as war conditions permit. I have hopes that something will be done in this connection, but .am afraid that first priority would have to be given to other centres where the need was urgent. In due course Whangarei’s turn will again come round. It will be quite rash for me, to hold out anything like a definite time.”