The Star. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1920. BURNHAM BUILDINGS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20057, 21 September 1920, Page 6

The Star. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1920. BURNHAM BUILDINGS.

Tho closing of tho Burnham Industrial School lelt the Education Department with a large and valuable property on its hands. The industrial school idea, as a reforming agency, had had its day, and in the march of progress it had to give way to more advanced methods. What'is to become of the buildings and land? An article which wo print in another columns shows that the property is depreciating. Unoccupied buildings have a habit of falling into disrepan, and they aro seldom safe from those mischiovious persons who take a deb' K ht in inflicting surreptitious damage on unprotected property. The neglect of the Burnham school settlement suggests that the Education Department lm finished with it. If that is so, tho Government' might consider putting tho grounds and buildings to profitable uses. Camps aro being held at Burnham at frequent intervals, alul. tho appointments in connection with the old institution aro of the sort that would bo serviceable as adjuncts to these territorial and cadet assemblies. Tho Defence Department’s officials, we belioVe } are not only willing but anxious to secure control of tho property, and tho Government might do Worse than satisfy this desire. In any case tho buildings should bo looked after, and the various appointments should not he allowed to crumble into destruction for tho lack of a few pounds.