HIGH SCHOOL SITE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22714, 28 April 1937, Page 14

HIGH SCHOOL SITE

TATJEANGA PROPOSAL

PURCHASE OF HILLSDENE

HOUSEHOLDERS IN FAVOUR

[by TELEGRAPH OWN correspondent] TAURANGA, Tuesday The site for the proposed high school to be erected in Tauranga was discussed at a meeting of householders last night. There was a diversity of opinion over two sites —one known as the high school reserve, and adjoining the domain, and the other on Cameron Road, about a mile and a-half from the post office, and known as Hillsdene. The chairman of the High School Committee, Mr. W. J. Stevens, who presided, said that if the school were built on the reserve money would have to be found locally for improvement of the grounds. A departmental officer had inspected Hillsdene and said it would bo a splendid site for a high school. If the reserve were sold it was estimated that it would realise £BOOO. Hillsdene could be bought for £1.500. From the surplus £SOO could be spent in improving the new site, £250 on equipment, and £IOO in reimbursing the agricultural course fund. The balance could be set aside for educational purposes. The committee, said Mr. Stevens, was in favour of Hillsdene. The final decision, however, rested between tho Education Board and the Education Department. He urged that there should'be unanimity in regard to the proposal. The high school was on the department's list of urgency, and if the people were unanimous they should before long have the new high school erected. Disagreement would delay the proposition. Mr. A. Bell, headmaster of the Tauranga District High School, said he had always regarded the high school reserve as an excellent site. There were, however, some disadvantages. If a modern school were erected at Hillsdene the grounds would be second to none in New Zealand, and would make an impressive entrance to the town. The Hon. B. C. Bobbins, M.L.C., said they should look to a site that would serve pupils from long distances. In his opinion the high school reserve was the ideal site. He believed the time was coming when they would have Hillsdene as a recreation ground. After three amendments had been defeated the following resolution was carried: —That this meeting heartily endorses the action of the High School Committee in recommending to the Education Board the purchase of Hillsdene and the sale of the high school reserve.