GIRLS’ HOSTEL NEEDED

Southland Times, Issue 25545, 13 December 1944, Page 6

GIRLS’ HOSTEL NEEDED

COUNTRY GIRLS IN INVERCARGILL The urgent need of a girls’ hostel was emphasized by the principal, Miss M. W. May, at the break-up ceremony of the Southland Girls’ High School yesterday. Miss May reviewed the year’s activities.

A hostel had been started privately in the city, said Miss May, and 14 girls from the school had stayed there this year. Of these, 13 would be returning next year, the other girl having completed her schooling. The hostel had been a success and the accommodation could have been filled three times over this year. Bookings for as far ahead as 1946 had been received and this showed the need for a proper hostel. Miss May outlined the case of a girl in the country who rose early in the morning, helped milk cows, cycled three miles to a bus and often had to stand in the bus to Invercargill. This was because the seats were taken by people who paid the full fare. After school the girl again stood in the bus to her destination, cycled the three miles home, and again helped with the cows. Mr Hugh Ritchie, chairman of the board of Governors, said the board appreciated the need for a hostel and the matter had been discussed at the last meeting of the board. The board was convinced of the need for a hostel for the girls and all endeavours would be made to obtain such a building. Practically all the foundations for the new school were in, he said, and the foundation stone would be laid soon. It would have been very pleasing if they could have got a hostel at the same time as the school.