MINISTER AT OPOTIKI

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23055, 4 June 1938, Page 15

MINISTER AT OPOTIKI

SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS CONTROL OF THE WHARF [BY TELEGRAPH—OWN COBBESPOSBS?I] OPOTIKI, Friday The Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, who arrived at Opotiki last night, heard a number of deputations. Mr. A. E. Payne, chairman of the Opotiki school committee, referred to the overcrowding at the Opotiki school and suggested that instead of adding two rooms to the present school the new High School for which the land was recently purchased, should be built immediately. The Minister said it was obvious that something had to be done and it was a question of the most economic thing to do. Representatives of the Otara school committee and the Upper Otara Settlers' Association asked that the Otara district be included in the consolidation scheme to enable children to attend the Opotiki school. The Minister said he hoped consolidation would result. Mr. W. A. Gault, chairman of the Opotiki County Council, asked that the county should receive representation in the control of the Opotiki wharf, at present administered by the Opotiki Borough Council. The Opotiki Dairy Association produced 3000 tons of butter annually and the Borough Council had not provided cool storage at the wharf. The Minister said a cool store was absolutely necessary. _He hoped that arrangements could be made for joint representation. Mr. W. Walker referred to fishing difficulties in the Bay of Plenty ana complained that trawlers were working right in-shore at night. Mr. Fraser saia he would see what could be done to protect the coast. The Minister visited the Opotiki High School this morning and presented swimming and life-Saving certificates to the pupils. He was amazed at the performance of a bov paralysed in both legs since childhood who secured a certificate for swimming half a mile. The Minister said he would send an architect to inspect the school with a view to remodelling.