SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16760, 9 June 1920, Page 7

SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

EDUCATION BOARD WORKSHOP.

DEVELOP OR ABANDON

The excellent system under which the Taranaki Education Board carries out all building \>ith its own staff under its own architect and makes nil wood fittings and furnishings in its own workshop at New Plymouth was referred to in complimentary terms by the Minister of Education (The Hon. C. J- Parr) during his recent visit to this district. A critical position in connection with the workshop was considered at the. monthly Mice ting of the hoard to-day. The Finance Committee, reported that further development of the building operations of the board could not he approved at present owing-to the increased capital involved, but _ the committee realised that, were provision made by flic deparlpicnt, recommendations made by the architect would he in the direction of economical working of the building and repair operations. 1 he committee recommended that the chairman of the hoard (air. 11. Masters, M.P.), and Messrs. P. J. While. S. G. Smith, M.P., and A. Lees should be appointed a deputation to interview the Minister with a view to having a workshop account recognised. Mr. White, who i "ar.aii of the. Finance Committee. ' the work had been carried !: which, if the. hoard were a xsincss concern, it would i. desirable to go further. .op account were recognised . i would he able to apply for a gr.. - r capital expenditure, to develop lim work. The adoption of the report of tne board’s architect would have meant a capital expenditure of well over £3OOO immediately and the speaker did not feel that the general maintenance account could stand the strain until a workshop account was recognised by the department. The opinion that-circumstances compelled the board either to extend the workshop business or to give it up altogether. was expressed by Air, 'J rouble. Tiie recommendation that'* deputation should he sent to Wellington to interview the Minister was adopted.