PARNELL SCHOOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21240, 21 July 1932, Page 11

PARNELL SCHOOL

OPEN-AIR TYPE SUGGESTED SENIOR INSPECTOR'S VIEW The replacement of the Parnell school by a new building on the old St. Stephen's school site was discussed'at a meeting of the Auckland Education Board yesterday and it was suggested that, in view of the impossibility of the proposed building being erected for some time, a less expensive school of an open-air type should be sought.

A list of 12 building works considered most important, which was asked for by the Education Department, was read by the secretary. The chairman, Mr. A. Burns, said tho list did not include the replacement of the Parnell and llichmond Road schools owing to the heavy cost involved in those cases.

Mr. H. S. W. King said he considered tho replacement of Parnell school of primary importance. Tho board had been urging this for 14 years. It should bo brought under tho notice of the department.

Mr. Burns asked whether tho board would be prepared to accept a more modest building for Parnell. The'present estimate was £17,000. Mr. E. C. Banks said there was a good deal of dissatisfaction in the country with tho amount of money spent on the Otahuhu school. Mr. .7. Patterson: That is a monument to a Minister.

The senior inspector, Sir. J. W. Mcllraith, suggested the erection of open-air buildings, which, ho claimed, would be cheaper than one large school. The climate at Auckland was very suitable and tho site was admirable.

Mr. Burns: We lost our opportunity to get the school owing to a long discussion on the open-air type. But for that wo should have had the school some years ago. No action was taken regarding the suggestion for an open-air school, but it was decided to point out to the department when the list was forwarded, that tho board considered the replacement of the Parnell and Richmond Road schools the most- urgent works.