FINE NEW SCHOOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 15

FINE NEW SCHOOL

OPENING CEREMONY ST. PETER'S, CAMBRIDGE AMBITIOUS PROJECT COMPLETED The opening of St. Peter's Preparatory School at Cambridge to-day by the Minister of Education, the Hon. Peter Fraser, and the dedication of the school buildings by the Primate, Archbishop Averill, will mark the completion of one of the most ambitious projects ever embarked upon in the Dominion. The school commenced its first term on February 11 with a roll of about 40 boys, under the joint headmastership of Mr. A. F. B. Broadhurst and the Rev. J. M. Beaufort. St. Peter's represents the fruits of the enthusiasm of Mr. Broadhurst, who 12 years ago, while a director of the Manchester firm of Tootal, Broadhurst, Lee, Limited, began to interest himself in the education of boys. As a result he resigned his directorship and took up teaching, and after eight years on the staffs of various English preparatory schools, determined to found a school of his own. Selecting New Zealand as the ideal place for his scheme, he finally chose the site of Gwynnelands, near Cambridge, as the ideal location for his school. Old Homestead Property The property, one of the oldest homesteads in the Waikato, was purchased 18 months ago, and plans were drawn up by Mr. Roy Lippincott. The contractors, N. Cole, Limited, of Auckland, commenced work in May of last year, qnd in spite of delays due to shortage of skilled labour and suitable material and to wet weather, were able to complete the work in time for the present term.

The typical Waikato surroundings of St. Peters, the wealth of old trees, its elevated situation and extensive views give it an atmosphere of maturity very rare in new schools. The main block is arranged in the form of a horse-shoe enclosing a quadrangle, and this group is flanked by the chap_el on the one side and the gymnasium on the other. Two entrance gates lead to the main drive with its generous strips of lawn planted with shrubs and white birches.

In the main building are the residences of the joint headmasters, and four dormitories each equipped with about 18 beds. A fine library is also included as well as offices and guest rooms for parents staying at the school. The wide corridors, abundance of light and an unusually fine collection of- pictures, all make for a pleasant atmosphere. This building is fireproof and as nearly earthquake-proof as human ingenuity can make it. Impressive Dining Hall

Cloisters in tlfe rear of the main block lead to other essential blocks. A large playroom will cater for the indoor leisure of the pupils and beyond this is a most impressive dining hall with massive beams forming Gothic arches and dark-polished tableß and benches suggesting monastic architecture. Beyond are the kitchens and quarters of the domestic staff. One the other wing is a large gymnasium, to which are attached soundproof music rooms and the cricket pavilion looking out on a fine natural sports ground of eight acres. The value of manual training is recognised in a carpenter's shop in the same group. A fine swimming bath completes this block. On the same side is a group of nine class rooms, two of which have been specially equipped for the teaching of geography and science, and art and handicrafts, respectively. Detached, one on each wing toward the Waikato River, are a two-storied staff house and the original homestead, which accommodates the staff of the large school farm. Inspiring Ohapel

Finally, on the Hamilton side of the buildings is the inspiring cruciform chapel, the consecration of which by Archbishop Averill will form one of the principal acts of the opening ceremony. An interesting feature of the construction of St. Peter's has .been the retention of the original trees. In the laying out of the buildings only one tree had to be felled and a careful survey of the position of the standing timber was made before siting the various blocks. The result has been most harmonious, not only in the appearance of the school itself from various angles, but also in the multiplicity of vistas from the windows. Owing to the dehiy in construction, lawns have not yet been grassed, but work on this is proceeding rapidly.