NEW SCHOOL OPENED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20171, 4 February 1929, Page 11

NEW SCHOOL OPENED.

MOUNT ROSKILL WEST. GROWTH OF THE DISTRICT. Built late last year to serve tho needs of a growing population in tho western part of the Mount Roskill district, the new wooden school at the corner of May Road and Richardson Road was officially opened on Saturday afternoon by Mr. A. Burns, chairman of the Auckland Education Board, in the presence of a large gathering of residents and scholars.

Mr. Burns referred to the fact that the school was but one of three for which sites in the district had been selected. The district was destined soon to be a populous area, given suitable transport facilities with the advent of the Transport Board. Settlement in healthy districts at a distance from the city was to ba encouraged, particularly in tho interest of the children's welfare. Education would be of little value if the children were to lose their health.

Among other speakers were Mrs. Benfell, a member of tlie school committee, and Mr. F. A. Garry, headmaster of the Mount Roskill School, who paid a tribute to the ability of the headmaster of the new school, Mr. F. Wilks. Mr. Burns then declared the school open and the building was inspected by thoso present, xfter whicli afternoon tea was served. The school consists of two class-rooms, separated by folding doors, a largo corridor on the western side, a cloak-room and another small room, equipped with an electric water-heater, a sink and other conveniences. A roofed-in concrete pathway connects the entrance porch with one shelter shed, while another is detached. Classes up to Standard IV. have for some time been conducted in a church hall opposite, and about 60 children havo been attending there as a " side school " nf the main Mount Roskill School under Mr. Garry. It is expected a larger number, possibly 80, will attend to-day, as the new school is to provide for all classes up to Standard VF. About a mile distant, at the corner of Dominion and Mount Albert Roads, a similar school has been erected, and will be officially opened next Saturday afternoon, possibly by the Hon. H. Atmore, Minister of Education.