EDUCATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 15 November 1937, Page 6

EDUCATION

NELSON BOARD’S DISTRICT NEW SCHOOLS, additions and SITES The monthly meeting of the Nelson Education Board to-day was attended! by the Hon. W. H. Mclntyre (chairman), Messrs J. 11. Harkncss, F. A. i Hamilton, F. A. Carling, 11. Barltrop, i F. V. Knapp, and J. C. Wilkens. Account amounting to .£7930 17s 7d wore passed for payment. The Hall Committee at Ariki asked for the lease of a portion of the school site for the purpose of erecting a hall. The request was granted. The chairman was asked to report on the decision of the Government to reclaim six acres of land for the Auckland Point school. The Education Department in replying to an application for a grant to cover the cost of erecting a residence at Dovedalc, stated that it would be necessary to hold the matter over until more important works are completed. The Foxhill Committee asked for a water pumping plant. It was decided to reply that the hoard regretted that it could not see its way to provide a pump. The Railway Department forwarded the lease of a residence site at Granity for signature. The Education Department authorised the acquisition of the Granity Domain Board’s property for use as a new school site. The Westport Coal Company accepted the board’s offer in settlement of a debt against the Domain Board. The chairman said the thanks of the board were due to the Westport Coal Company for the lino manner in which the board was met in the matter. The company, in letting the board take the property at the offer made, had to forcg., ,£250 plus accrued interest. Mr J. 11. Harkncss also expressed thanks to the Company and to the chairman of the board for his part in the negotiations. A motion was recorded expressing appreciation of the Coal Company’s attitude. It was then decided to have plans prepared for a new school at Granity, it to be pointed out to the Department that if it was decided to consolidate the Hector school, two additional rooms would be required at Granity. In connection with the proposed site extension at Hira the Department advised that negotiations were proceeding. The Inangahua Junction committee urged the enlargement of the shelter shed and provision of a class room for woodwork instruction. It was decided to extend the shelter shed so that woodwork can be done in it. It was reported that the application for a grant for enlarging the infants’ class room at Inangahua Junction was before the Department, but no reply had been received. It was decided that the chairman communicate with the Minister on the matter.

The Inangahua Landing Committee asked for the provision of a bach for the teacher. The request was declined. Tenders for the erection of a new class room at Mapua were dealt with. The tender of Mr D. Kelly was accepted. In connection with heating at Mapua it was decided to instal a larger stove. The secretary reported that no reply had yet been received from the Minister regarding the disposal of the Motueka brick building. The lender of Mr L. C. Robinson was accepted for the erection of a new class room at Murchison. In connection with the proposed addition to the Nelson Central School playing area, the secretary reported that negotiations were being made with the estate of the late Mrs Renwick. It was decided to remove the Owen shoul to the gazetted site. MOTUriH-CENTRAL TAKAKA CONSOLIDATION The consolidation of Motupipi and Central Takaka schools was again discussed. A petition with 136 signatures from Motupipi opposed the proposals. The Central Takaka Committee wrote opposing the proposed amalgamation. Mr Carling considered the board should go no further in the matter as the Minister had stated that no action would be taken in places where the parents were opposed to consolidation. It was decided to forward the replies to the Minister of Education. Mr Hamilton suggested that Motupipi should have a new room. It was decided to make an application to the Department for a grant for a new classroom at Motupipi. The Westport Borough Council wrote regarding Municipal Reserves considered by the board as suitable for school sites. The chairman, Mr Ilarkncss, Mr Carling and secretary are to discuss the matter with the Borough Council. The head teacher at Appleby applied for the replacement of the pump. The request was declined. The Foxhill head teacher applied for the installation of electric light and electric pumping plant. It was decided that when power was available the light would be installed but the board could not see its way to install an electric pump. The Gowan Bridge committee asked that the entrance be tar-scaled. The request was granted. The Nelson Central School committee applied for a grant towards the cost of installation of radio equipment. A grant of £lO was made. The Puramohoi committee applied for a grant to cover the cost of replacing the front fence. A grant of £6 was made. It was also decided to have an extra window placed in the school, and to make application for the acquisition of a section of land adjoining the school for an additional playing area. The Riwaka committee requested the tar-sealing of the road in front of the school, and for the fop dressing of the sealed area in the grounds. It was decided to write to the Waimea County

Council supporting the request of the committee for the sealing of the road. The top dressing of the ground was authorised. The Tahunanui committee suggested the alteration of the shelter shed. The alterations were authorised. The Tapawera committee and headteacher asked for a water pumping plant to be installed at the residence. The request was declined. The grant towards the cost of fencing and ground improvements was the subject of a letter from Tiromoana committee. A sum of £lO was granted. The Education Department advised that arrangements had been made with the Public Works Department for ground improvement schemes at Hampden street, Motueka and Murchison. The Hampden street work had been commenced and the Motueka work would commence shortly.