NEW PARNELL SCHOOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21279, 5 September 1932, Page 8

NEW PARNELL SCHOOL

If the recommendation of the Minister of Education is approved by Cabinet, the Parnell school will soon be replaced lay a new structure on the St. Stephen's Avenue site. It is a time for the exercise of the most rigid economy in every department of State, but no one with any knowledge of the appalling conditions under which the Parnell children arc being taught will question Mr. Masters' decision. For more years than one cares to contemplate, the claims of Parnell for a new school have been pressed. The present ramshackle building was erected 53 years ago upon what was naturally an unsuitable site of two acres, although then commanding some fresh air advantage! To-day, however, it, is fringed by a factory area and enveloped in the smoke from the new railway terminal. Two busy traffic routes have made it an island, and. in addition to the highway dangers to which the children are exposed, the vibration caused by heavy vehicles is felt by them in their twostoreyed building. A worse place for a school could hardly be found. Replacement should have taken place years ago. The work was much more urgent than many undertaken in the days of prosperity. Probably it would have been undertaken sooner but for the controversy over openair schools providing an excuse for delay. The Minister has not stated what amount he is prepared to expend on the new school, but if he follows the revised plans of the Education Board the sum will be in the vicinity of £6OOO. The original proposal was for a building in permanent materials costing £17,000. It conformed to the architectural standard which has given the city such schools as that of Curran Street, most of them being on the extravagant side. The new Parnell school, consisting of a main block of eight rooms in wood with whatever extra classrooms may be necessary surrounding it, will be quite as efficient and healthful. Most important of all, it will have a site in a pleasant environment far removed from the dust and smoke and traffic of an industrial area. Plain humanity is the sbest argument in favour of replacement, and the Minister is to be congratulated in making the work a matter of urgency.