DIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20384, 12 October 1929, Page 12

DIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOL.

EXTENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS.

PROVISION OF SWIMMING BATH

Extensive alterations and improvements to the Diocesan High School for Girls, including the provision of further classroom space, and the construction of a swimming bath, at a total cost of £BSOO, were mentioned in the annual report, of the School Council, presented to synod yesterday by the chairman, Mr. C. J. Tunks.

"In its report to the last session of synod the council referred to the campaign inaugurated by tho headmistress for the improvement of the playing fields,""the report stated.- "During the past year progress has been made. Six new hard tennis courts are completed, and play has begun on three of them, and the other three will be in use very soon." Much has been done in the planting of suitable trees and shrubs and in tho general improvement of the grounds, which are now beginning to present a very pleasing aspect. ."Owing to the 4 lack of funds some of the major, works included in the programme could not be undertaken. The council 'has, however, just made arrangements with tho Auckland Savings Bank for a further advance of £BSOO, the sum estimated to cover certain necessary additions and alterations to the school buildings. These -will include a -new science room, which is needed.to comply with the requirements of. the Education Department, • and also the completion of the playing fields and the provision of a swimming bath. When these works are completed it will - be possible to carry on the school, even with the increased numbers which the council hopes will he attracted, without further building, and to provide fill necessary playing areas within the school grounds for somo years to come.

"The interest and other charges on tho cost of providing the necessary additions and improvements could not be met out of the revenue from the existing school fees, and the council has with reluctance been obliged to notify parents of an increase in fees to take place from the boginning of 1930. The council is also taking steps with a view to repaying tho cost of these improvements, arid looks for the goodwill and support of all who are interested in our church schools. "'The council desires to emphasise again the great difficulty in financing a school such as tho Diocesan High School without endowment of any kind, a difficulty which is not confined to "this school, but is common to all of its type, ahd it earnestly appeals to the church people of the diocese to remember the school and all it stands for when disposing of their surplus wealth, either in their lifetime or by provision in their wills."