NELSON COLLEGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 19 August 1933, Page 6

NELSON COLLEGE

“HORRIBLE EYESORE" OF PRESENT BUILDING PROGRESS LEAGUE DISCUSSION The state of the main building at Nelson College was the subject of a dicussion at the annual meeting of the Nelson Provincial Progress League yesterday afternoon but no action was taken. Mr E. R. Neale introduced the matter by expressing the opinion that somemove should be made to obtain a new building for the College. He commended Mr H. Atrnore for his scheme for the College buildings while he was Minister of Education. Two fine houses had been erected for the boarders, but the new school, which was destroyed by the 1929 earthquake had been held over. Boys at present passing through College had no main College building to remember. “It is time that horrible eyesoro was put right” he said.. Apparently there were signs that times were improving and large Government works were being put in hand in Wellington and Dunedin and the cost of a new College would not compare with those works. Mr H. Atmore M.P., said the houses had been built as they were urgently required, and in addition at the same times the College grounds were extended across Ngatitama street and onto the spur behind the College, thus ensuring a fine background for the buildings which must come in the future. There was a danger at present, that if pressure was brought to bear a building may be erected which was not worthy of the site oil the institution, nor good enough in comparison with the houses. He considered about £IOO,OOO was required for the new buildings. The present teaching conditions in the temporary classrooms were quite satisfactory. Mr W. Lock explained that the College Council of Governors had by no means overlooked the matter, but in view of the expenditure on the new houses it (could not just now ask the Government for a new College. The Governors agreed that it is an eyesore in its .present condition. Mr F. G. Gibbs proposed that it might be suggested that a wooden block on the lines of the old building, could be built in between the present brick ends, as a temporary measure. Mr M. Grace stressed the matter of the employment of tradesmen on such a building in preference to their doing pick and shovel work. The discussion then lapsed.