SCHOOL BUILDINGS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10137, 27 November 1918, Page 7

SCHOOL BUILDINGS

£300,000 TO BE VOTED

Tho greatly increased cost of constructing new buildings and of maintaining and improving existing buildings, referred to last year, has been accentuated, aad the policy of confining the expenditure to works that are essential to meet pressing requirements has as a matter af, necessity been continued. In thb connection it should he mentioned that the postponement of a number of appli-

rations for building grants will necessitate provision being made for larger expenditure in the future. The question of overcrowding in cur large schools is a matter for serious consideration, and an endeavour has been made, so far as funds allow to alleviate the worst cases. Further, many of our older school buildings require remodelling, but there are difficulties it' the way of effecting reforms. Tho provision of suitable sites in populous areas is another problem involving not onlv heavy expenditure, but also the question of locating schools to suit future requirements. Numerous applications aro also being mado for large sums of money for new technical buildings to meet the need for increased accommodation in a number of centres, and also for the provision of hostels or boardinghouses for the benefit of country children attending many of our high schools. During tho year the funds held by education hoards for building purposes have been put on an improved basis, and a clear distinction has been made between funds available for maintenance and those required to bo reserved for rebuilding worn-out schools. In view of the pressing necessity for new school buildings, additions to school buildings, etc., an increase of the Public Works vote by £300,000 will bo provided. This amount will, I hope, be sufficient for the purpose indicated, and, at all events, it will not be necessary to spend the whole of that sum during this financial year.