THE TRAINING COLLEGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19452, 7 October 1926, Page 15

THE TRAINING COLLEGE.

IMPROVEMENTS TO GROUNDS,

WORK DONE BY STUDENTS.

AID OF DEPARTMENT SOUGHT.

The improvements which have been made at the Teachers' Training College were favourably commented upon by members of the Auckland Education Board who visited tho college yesterday. The chairman, Mr. A. Burns, and several members of the board were shown over the building by the principal, Mr. 11. G. Cousins. Although the building has been occupied by students for some time, workmen were engaged in small alterations and additions until last month. Tho work that has been carried out in the college grounds was explained to tho members. By the voluntary labour of students the surroundings of tho college aro being made attractive. A large area in front of the college has been levelled and grassed, and an area of about 80ft. square near the entrance has been planted with £lO worth of native shrubs. A row of pepper trees has been planted along the drive leading round the playing area in front of tho college. Further levelling and grassing is now being don?. One of the most important works that it is hoped to start shortly is tho provision of five tennis courts. Tho college is handicapped by its grants and the estimated cost of £6OO for the material and expert supervision is considered too much for it to finance. It has applied to the Education Department for a grant, but there is little likelihood of it being granted. Next year tho students will prepare an area for a garden immediately at the rear of tho college. Maintenance work will havo to be carried out on the portion which was cleared of gorse last year and it will be some time beforo tho area is cleared permanently. In thanking the members of tho board for their visit, Mr. Cousins said tho staff and students wero very satisfied with tho building. However, expenses had been heavy and owing to the economic policy of the Education Department a great deal of financial worry was caused. He thought the college was being rather hardly treated this year by the department. Only £7OO was received for paying tho salaries of the caretaker and clerk and for incidental expenses. This amount did not compare vei'y favourably with tlio sum paid to technical schools. There was an urgent need for a central room for bringing together all students, and tho library contained a poor selection of books.