SCHOOL PLAYING AREA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20098, 8 November 1928, Page 15

SCHOOL PLAYING AREA.

SUGGESTION FOR TRANSFER.

LETTER TO THE MINISTER.

EDUCATION BOARD RESENTFUL.

Tlio exact nature of a letter forwarded to the Minister of Education under (lie name of tlio Board of Managers of the Seddon Memorial Technical College was questioned at a meeting of the Auckland Education Board yesterday, when the Minister notified that tho board of managers had urged tho introduction of legislation to secure for the use of the college a playing area now used by the Wclleslcy Street school. It was decided to protest against tho acquiring of any land by the Technical College to the detriment of tho primary school, and to point this out to tho Minister, who suggested the area should be transferred as from February 1 next. "I think it is heartless to ask tlio board to take away the land from the primary school children —(hey have less than an acre as it is," said the chairman, Mr. A. Burns. He admitted tlio Technical College was hard pressed for room, but a better and permanent site should havo been sought before additions were made. Tho Education Board -was tho controlling authority of the College Board of Managers, and under such circumstances it should havo been coiisulf cd.

Mr. 11. S. W. King, who is chairman of tho college board, said he bad no knowledge of any letter being sent to the Minister urging the taking of a part of tho primary school playground, but tho Minister had been asked to afford an opportunity for tho education authorities concerned to confer, as extensions wero urgently needed. Ho himself had stated at a meeting of the college board that ho would never agree .to any extension which might prejudice tho use of tho grounds by primary school children.

Mr. J. P. McPliail said ho was astonished when he heard the report submitted by tho principal of tho college to tho board of managers. There was no doubt the director desired to acquire the playing area concerned. A majority of the college board was in favour of acquiring more playing room, but it was a case of "hands off tho primary school" as far as ho was concerned.

Quoting the actual resolution passed by tho college board Mr. McPliail said the director had not been authorised to endeavour to acquire the play area concerned. If he had approached the Minister on behalf of the college board ho had gone beyond his duties. Mr. Burns: Wo enn take it that the principal exceeded his instructions.

"A case of tho tail wagging the dog," remarked Mr. F. A. Snel!.

Mr. G. Brownlee said it had to be recognised tho primary school would be closed in course of time. When that came about it would be time enough to deal with tho grounds.