MODERN SCHOOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23276, 20 February 1939, Page 6

MODERN SCHOOL

titirangibuilding OPENING BY MINISTER REUNION "OF OLD PUPILS Constructed on a protected sunny, j site commanding a magnificent view of the surrounding country, the new school at Titirangi was officially opened by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, on Saturday afternoon. The school is of the latest open-air type, similar to that at Orakei, and was built at a total cost of £3500. The ceremony was attended by a large number of parents, residents and pupils. The chairman of the school committee, Mr. W. A. Bishop, said the building was the result of a 10 years' fight by the committee, the principal cause of the delay being the acquisition of a suitable site. But Titirangi to-day had one of the finest schools in the Dominion upon a most beautiful site. He thanked Mr. Mason for the he had given. Mr. C. R. Munro, of the Auckland Education Board, congratulated the district upon its new school, which was the best that New Zealand could produce. He paid a tribute to the work of the Bishop family, Mr. \y. A. Bishop was the third generation to take an interest in education. Mr. J. E. Elliott, of the Auckland Education Board, and member for the ward in which Titirangi is situated, urged the teachers to encourage the pupils to carry on the good work of beautifying the grounds with native shrubs. The Titirangi Beautifying Society had already planted over 2000 trees. The Minister said Mr. Bishop minimised the work he had done toward getting the new school. Mr. Mason spoke of the excellence of the building and the site, which, he considered, must have a good influence on the children. The Minister said he would do his best in having the grounds laid ' out. At a reunion that followed the roll call was answered by two residents, Mrs. W. T. H. Coulter and Mr. H. J. Pugh, who were pupils at the opening of the first Titirangi school in .1872. The reunion was attended by 23 people who were pupils between 1872 and 1900. The new building is off Atkinson Road, a short distance below the beginning of the scenic drive, and slopes down from the road. Tli6 school replaces the temporary structure in School Road occupied since 1930, when the old school was destroyed by fire. It consists of three classrooms each 26 feet by 24 feet, a staff room and a cloak room, and will accommodate 120 children. The headmaster is Mr J Waddell. t ■ '