NEW PARNELL SCHOOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21279, 5 September 1932, Page 11

NEW PARNELL SCHOOL

ASSURANCE BY MINISTER GRANT TO BE RECOMMENDED negotiations for ten years After making an inspection of the Parnell School building, the Minister of Education, the Hon. R. Masters, assured h deputation on Saturday morning that he would recommend to the Cabinet that a ! grant should be made for the erection ! of a new school on the proposed site in I St. Stephen's Avenue. Plans for a new building, which have been approved by tho Auckland Education Board and the Parncll School Committee, are now in the hands of the Education Department. Mr. Masters was accompanied on his visit to the school by Mr. F. W. Schramm, M.P., the headmaster, Mr. J. W. McGecliio, members of tho committee, Mr. A. Burns, representing the Education Board, tlie secretary* of the .board. Mr. D. W. Dunlop, and the board's architect, Mr. A. B. Miller Mr. McGcchio referred to the defects of the school building and stressed the urgent need for a new structure. He said tho classrooms on the lower floor were not conducive to the good health of the children. They were of the old type, were very ill-ventilated, and the majority did not have any sun during tho day. Tho hilly playing area was a danger to children, and four accidents had occurred recently. Teaching was at times almost impossible owing to the noise of traffic, and there was great smoke nuisance from trains and near by factories. Owing to the conditions at the school, some children in the Parnell district were attending other schools.. " The question of the Parnell School has been brought very prominently bofore me," said Mr. Masters. " I had almost decided to view tho appeal favourably before inspecting the school, the general environment of which is certainly not. inspiring. The plans for a new school seem eminently suitable, and I will recommend that a grant be made available for building tho new school." " Unfortunately I came into office when economies were called for and I have to carry them out," said the Minister. " I have always endeavoured to economise in administration so that no harm can be suffered by the child. As far as building work is concerned, very little money is available and only really bad cases can receive attention. Only £57,000 is availabl for capital expenditure on buildings this year, as compared with £500,000 three years ago." In expressing pleasure with the favourable outcome of the representations, Mr. Burns referred to the protracted negotiations for a new school. Ten years ago the question was discussed. A site was acquired by tho board and plans prepared for a school to cost £17,000. Controversy then arose with the Open-Air Schools League, regarding the type of building to bo erected-. Eventually, the former Minister of Education, Mr. H. Atmore, moved to obtain a grant, but this was held up when the Government instituted a policy of rigid economy. ■'