LAND AND BUILDINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15659, 13 July 1914, Page 5

LAND AND BUILDINGS.

MANY NEW SCHOOLS.

GRANT FOR REMUERA.

EDUCATION BOARD'S ACTIVITIES.

TnE growth of the city and proyinw of Auckland is marked by the continual demand for new schools, and for alterations to the existing structures. For tho past two or three years the board has abandoned tho practice of erecting wooden schools in the thickly-populated parts of tii' province, and has gone in for a policy of building in brick wherever possible. These more permanent structures have given general satisfaction. Although the initial cost is greater than that paid for wooden buildings, it is found not only that the cost of maintenance of the brick buildings has been reduced to a minimum, but also that these solid structures are much more cosy, and afford a more limitou harbour for germs than the wooden buildings. In appearance also the brick schools are much more pleasing and imposing.

To meet, tho demand of tho province for new schools and alterations to the old schools, tho board's architect, Mr. John Farrell, and his staff have been kept exceedingly busy for many months past in preparing the plans to copo with ,the requirements of the area under their jurisdiction.

With the opening up of estates in the district, as tho result of the extension of tho tramways service, many dwellings in liemuera havo been erected, with the result that for some time it has been apparent that a new school was needed for me district. The School Committee accordingly approached, the board, and the latter communicated with the Education Department, On Saturday tho committee was informed that tho board had just received an intimation from the Minister for Education authorising a grant for the erection of a brick building on a site in Vv'iiiauirua iwm, jneadowbank. The architect is now preparing plans for the school, which ,is expected to accommodate 200 pupils. Tenders are to be invited, and the work of construction is to bo put in hand as soon as possible. A new brick school at Richmond has just been completed. It has accommodation for 180 pupils. Although the children and teachers are now in occupation of the school it will not be officially opened until July 22. At Avondalo a"n infante' department, in brick, is now in course of construction, while tenders are to be called for a similar structure at Whangarei at an early date. An infants' school, in brick, at Parawai (Thames) will be completed in the next week or two.

Additions to the Point Chevalier and Bayfield wooden schools have just been completed, while additions to the Rotorua, To Kuiti. Helensville, Ongarue, Whakatanc, and Mauku schools are now in hand.

Ine construction of new wooden schools is now in progress at Pipiroa, Waimana, Waiomo, and Ruapekapeka, and in other district*. Teachers' houses are being erected at Rawene, Ruapekapeka, and Owhanga. Grants have just been received for the erection of teachers' residences at Kutarere and Tatu.

The importance of Hamilton as an educational centre is made evident by the fact that tie Hamilton High School is now too small to meet requirements.' The school was built about two or threo years ago, but it has now been found necessary to add two additional- classrooms. Plans have been prepared, and tenders for the work of construction are now being invited.