PRESENT SITE CENTRAL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 22998, 15 September 1944, Page 4

PRESENT SITE CENTRAL

Timaru Technical College Efforts To Effect Improvements The question of the suitability of the present site of the Timaru Technical College was again discussed at a meeting of the Technical College Board of Managers last night. "We have got to the stage where we should let the public know where we stand.” said the chairman (Mr P R. Talbot). "The present site is most central and by carrying on here we are encouraging the development of our evening classes.” Mr A. S. Kinsman. We put up a good fight for Maori Park. Before the elections, this Board wanted to secure the Maori Park site because it was near to Ashbury Park. However, there is sufficient area here for a suitable building, but there is certainly no room for playing areas.. The chairman: After the war it might be possible to obtain buses to take the day pupils to playing areas, seeing that the present site does not have sufficient ground for playing areas. “We have received letters Irom members of Parliament saying that they will visit the college in the near future. If we point out to them the conditions under which the staff have to carry on, then we should get their support in our reconstruction plans. Comprehensive Plan Tile Principal of the College (Mr G. Hill) said that he had WTitten to the Director of Education (Dr. C. E. Beebyj pointing out that, since the proposal to acquire the Maori Hill Reserve was defeated, the Board of Managers had inspected other sites, but, as they were all unsuitable, it had been decided to consider improving the present site and extending the buildings. The letter continued: “The Board realises that the Department has long been aware of the inadequacy and unsuitability of the present accommoda-

tion. Departmental officers have repeatedly commented in their reports on the unsatisfactory nature of the buildings. Prospects of greater rolls and extension of even class work increase the urgency of the problem. “The Board proposes a comprehensive building plan to enable this college to make available the facilities that a town of the size of Timaru should be able to offer. We are confident that there is a strong body of public opinion in support of the scheme, and that, if adequate extensions and improvements are carried out. technical education here will continue to make progress. “The Board would appreciate an opportunitv to meet the Department’s architect at an early date and discuss with him their plans for the development of the school." The action of the Principal in sending this letter to the Director of Education was approved.