WAITAKI HIGH SCHOOL

Southland Times, Issue 18935, 23 September 1920, Page 4

WAITAKI HIGH SCHOOL

PARTIALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE. A SERIOUS LOSS. (Per United Press Association.) OAMARU, September 22. A disastrous fire at Waitaki Hoys’ High School occurred this morning. When discovered, about 1 o’clock, it had a strong hold, and as (he water supply was limited to an inch and a half pipe, the Fire Brigade was unable to render any assistance. By means of the school hoses and buckets, the masters, pupils, end volunteers succeeded in preventing the fire extending from tlre new wing, where it originated, to other portions of IHe building. The part, destroyed included the art room, with a comprehensive slock of models etc, science rooms with a big slock of chemicals and elaborate paraphernalia, several class rooms, ami music rooms containing school trophies and a great collection of valuable pictures, the property of the Rector, with which the vails of the rooms and corridors were adorned. The building is of Garnaru stone, and the walls of a large part are still standing, the other portnia being blown out by an explosion of chemicals in the laboratory. The workers succeeded in saving a good deal of the contents, but much that was irreplaceable was destroyed. The total loss cannot ye! be determined, but it is likely to reach fully £10.l!00. The school only resumed yesterday after the term vacation. Over 200 boys are in residence. The dormitories, a number of class-rooms, and the boarding part are untouched. It is hoped to be able to carry on work. The origin if the fire is a mystery.

The wing destroyed contained four classrooms, four laboratories, the art room and six small music rooms originally costing, with furnishings, £7,200. The total insurance thereon is £3,00(1, divided between the Victoria and Yorkshire offices. The fire appears to have originated alxtve the ceiling in the class-room adjoining the art room. All the rooms had been examined shortly before 10 o'clock and everything then appeared all right

A meeting of the Board this morning arranged temporary means for carrying on school work. Preliminary steps hove been taken for reinstatement.