SCHOOL BUILDINGS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25456, 10 February 1944, Page 4

SCHOOL BUILDINGS

prefabricated classrooms TWENTY-FIVE FOR DUNEDIN (P a ) WELLINGTON, Feb. 9. The Minister of Works, Mr R. Semple said this afternoon that, following ’ investigations, a prefabricated classroom had been designed. These would be the first all-plastic exterior buildings to be erected in this country, and would afford his department an opportunity of testing the possibility of the use of the material in housing construction. The classrooms were built with laminated plastics similar to those used in aircraft construction. It was anticipated, the Minister said, that a considerable number of these rooms would be required, and contracts had been placed for 45 in Auckland, 35 in Wellington, and 25 in Dunedin. If further classrooms were required these would be prefabricated in the nearest centres. Through the utilisation of this type of school much-needed relief would be given in overcoming the present overcrowding in various schools, the Minister added. EXAMPLES of overcrowding (PA) AUCKLAND, Feb, 9. Overcrowding at the Epsom School is of such proportions that children are being" taught in a tent, as well as in an iron shed and a stone basement, which was previously condemned. To-day the entire Normal School, from primers to Standard VI, is seated at desks under a large marquee. A master said the children were enjoying the experience, as the days so far had been sunny.