FREEMAN'S BAY SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19676, 30 June 1927, Page 8

FREEMAN'S BAY SCHOOLS.

EDUCATION BOARD'S PLANS. CLOSING OF NELSON STREET. The position regarding the Napier Street school, which was the subject of questions asked by Mr. W. E. Parry, M.P., in the House of Representatives on Monday, was explained yesterday by Mr. A. Burns, chairman of the Auckland Education Board. Mr. Burns said that since the new school had been erected on portion of the original site the old building had been allowed to remain until it could be sold for removal, which would probably be accomplished in the near future. The remainder of the ground was hilly and would cost a considerable sum to level and prepare as a playground. A grant for the purpose had been applied for with the recommendation that the work should bo done during Christmas holidays. The Education Department had approved the latter suggestion and had written stating the application for th>> grant would be considered in or about September. No promise of £SOOO had been made. Regarding the suggested need of additional rooms at Napier Street, Mr. Burns said the board had not asked for additional accommodation. On the contrary, owing to the decrease in the attendances, it was considering whether it should abolish the Nelson Street school. Freeman's Bay had once been a thickly-popu-lated residential quarter, but was now becoming an industrial area, and the Beresford Street and Napier Street schools could accommodate all the children. A decision Mould probably be made by the board at. its meeting next week.