THE TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15410, 19 September 1913, Page 4

THE TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

VISIT OF INSPECTION.

A xttmtber of members of the Auckland Industrial Association were personally conducted over the Seddon Memorial Technical School last night by the director, Mr. George George. Opportunity was taken to show the visitors several new features that have just recently been introduced. One of jhese, the big blast furnace in the basement, has just been installed, and as yet has not been put into operation. It is stated to be twice as economical as any cupola in Auckland. Part of the plant includes a powerful electric fan which circulates 1500 cubic feet of air per minute through the blast furnace. The actual capacity of the plant is three-quarters of a ton per hour. At present several of the rooms are being put to numerous uses, owing to the fact that the plant is not yet complete. The kitchen is one of the temporary rooms. It has space and stoves for 24 pupils. This department particularly attracted the attention of the visitors. A dark-room is now being fitted up, and this will add yet another sphere of usefulness to the work of the college. Provision is being mad© for enlarging, and lanternslide apparatus and arc-lights are to be set up for the purposes of printing. Altogether this should prove a very useful adjunct 10 the institution. There is one feature of the large, welllighted classrooms that was favourably commented upon, And that was the comfortable seating accommodation. Both the desks and seats are adjustable, and there is no reason why any scholar endowed with more than the usual length of limb should be cramped into an uncomfortable attitude.

The visitors went thoroughly through the building, and watched the different classes at work. Before they left Mr. S. J. Harbutt thanked Mr. George for his kindness. They had all been very in terested, but it was distressing to see such a great enterprise spoilt through lack of funds, and because the extra two storeys were not built. He could not offer financial assistance on behalf of the association, but he could assure Mr. George of their warm interest and help in other ways. Mr. George said that he was only too pleased vo have had the opportunity to show the visitors over the school. If more of such inspections were made it would doubtless awaken the public to a sense of responsibility, and financial aid [would not be so necessity as it was at present,. 0