THE FITZROY SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 August 1921, Page 4

THE FITZROY SCHOOL.

EPIDEMIC OF SICKNESS PROTESTS BY THE RESIDENTS. The unsatisfactory state of the Fitzroy School and the prevalence of infectious diseases amongst the children—the school is closed for three weeks owing to sickness—were discussed at a meeting of Fitzroy residents last night. Mr. R. Parkin (chairman of the Fitrroy Ratepayers’ Association) presided over a good attendance. It was decided to draw the attention of the Minister of Education “to the very serious position caused by the overcrowding of the school,” and requesting that immediate steps be taken to remedy the dangerous position. The meeting further recorded its strong protest against any attempt to use the gymnasium as a class-room, considering that the buiMing was totally unsuitable for the, purpose, and that its occupation would be a distinct menace to the health of the children, particularly during the summer. A further resolution which will be sent to the Minister states: “This meeting points out the very urgent need for immediate action, as a number of scholars are now in hospital, and others are laid up at their homes, suffering from infectious diseases, which can be traced to the congested state of the school. The school had to be closed for three weeks immediately preceding the midsummer holidays through the prevalence of infectious diseases, and the school is again closed now for similar reasons.” It was also decided to draw the attention of the Minister of Public Health “to the very serious position caused by the overcrowding of the school, with a request that immediate steps be taken to remedy the conditions. This meeting points out th© grave concern and inconvenience caused to the Hospital Board by the number o-f school children suffering from infectious diseases. There are at least eight cases in hospital from the Fitzroy School, and the headmaster’s report shows that they are directly traceable to the congested state of the class-rooms. Whilst appreciating the good work done by Dr Gunn, we consider the work is rendered practically useless by the conditions at the school.”