MINISTERIAL VISIT

Wairarapa Age, 20 November 1919, Page 5

MINISTERIAL VISIT

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER OF

education,

A HIGH SCHOOL PROMISED.

A representative gathering of citizens of Masterton interested in educational matters waited upon the Hon. Sir Francis Bell,' Minister of Education, and Dr. Anderson, Director of Education, at the Municipal ; Buildings, Mastcrton, yestferday afternoon, when a clear and concise statement was made concerning the Government's proposals in the matter of Masterton's educational advancement, by the honourable gentleman.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr, W. H. Jackson) briefly introduced the various gentlemen present to the distinguished visi'ors, and explained the position necessitating the visit of the Ministers. The first speaker was Mr. F. W. Temple (chairman of the Masterton Progressive League), who stated that the "demand of Masterton was for a High School. He expressed the hope that the Minister would make a definite pronouncement after hearing the views put before him, to allow a start, to be made with this necessary institution, < The next speaker was Mr. C. E. Daniell, chairman of the Trust Lands Trust, and well 'known in connection With educational matters in Masterton for many years past. Mr. Daniell stated that he fob sure the Minister knew of the desire of Masterton residents to proceed with some form of secondary education. He referred to the educational spirit of the pioneers of the dis'rict, and their endowment of Masterton with educational reserves, etc. The speaker hoped that the Minister would not allbw the Lansdowne educational site to be leased. Mr. Daniell asserted that all would be satisfied with Sir Francis Bell's opinion, and felt that he would help them to realise their ambition and "lead them upon their way." (Laughter.) The speaker referred to the visits of the Hon. J. A. Hanan and Dr. Anderson, and the motions passed at the recent public meeting. Mr. Daniell questioned whether the fish ponds site was suitable, as it waa two mles dstant. from the centre of the town and one and a-quarter miles from the railway station, He then referred to the Mayor's telegram to the Minister, and said he could not support it, as he had no opportunity of conferring with his colleagueis oa the matter. Sir Francis Bell j t ftant to know if the Trust Lands Trust would be agreeable to invest .the land, under an Act of Parliament, in the Government? t Mr. Daniell said there would be no diflicul -y about that. He was of the Opinion, however, that the site adjoining the Cameron Memorial Sports Ground was a most desirable one.

The Minister: Could that sit? be reasonably purchased? Mr. Daniell: Yes, I think Jt could be should you apply for it, sir. The Hon. Sir Francis Bell, who watf

greeted with loud applause, stated that how long he would be Minister 0 neither himself - nor those . present knew for certain. (Laughter.) Sir Francis then informed the deputation that Masterton would Have its High- School, ' separate from the Technical School. Regarding the site, he was nojfc so sure that the remarks of Mr. Daniell, to the effect that his decision wpild please all, would prove correct, but he would do his best for them on \ behalf of the Government of. New Zealand. - The Minister intimated that he wanted to know something more about the site adjoining the Cameron Memorial Ground, and he felt sure that those interested would supply him with the necessary information concerning price, etc. Referring to the Trust Lands Trust fish ponds site, Sir Francis stated that he was not to be governed by the decision of the recent public meeting—it was certainly a guid4, but* he was going to use his discretidn in the matter. If he did not, it would hot have been necessary for him. to spend a day and come up from Wellington. The Minister would not make any definite statement in connection with the Government's financial proposals for the High School, but he firmly assured the deputation that the sum provided would be a' substantial one. The lion, gentleman then stated that should it become necessary at some future date to make additions to the * present Technical School, he would . not refuse to recommend the Government to provide the necessary assistance.

Upon resuming his seat Sir Francis was again loudly applauded. The Hon. Si? Waiter Buchanan, M.L.C., expressed the personal opinion that the Government, when considering the question., should not take into consideration the matter of cost, but should provide the best site possible, even if it did cost a little more. Dr. Anderson (Director of Education) stated that the Minister's pronouncement had cleared away an initial difficulty*, and the question of site was narrowed down to" only a few. Before the departure of the Minister, he said, he would like an expression of opinion from the deputation regarding the four remaining sites. Mr. W. T. Grundy 'stated that the fish ponds site, lifting situated near the railway at Solway, was most suitable for children coming by txain from as far north as Eketahuna and south from Featherston. He did not think the Cameron Park site was nearly ds suitable, as it would mean the children walking right through the town from the railway station. Mr. Grundy stated that undoubtedly the growth of Masterton was in a

westerly /lirection. Dr. Anderson: Have you considered Lansdowne? Mr Grundy: „Yes, but Lansdowne is only a small part. of the Wairarapa. He went on to state that he was looking towards the future, and not only at the needs of* the present. & Ml 1 . Grundy assiffted that at some '' distant date a tram service in Masterton would suit .the requirements of the Lansdowne High School pupils. At this stage the Mayor intimated to the gathering that the Minister had only three minutes in which to catch his train. Mr.. E. G. Eton then briefly addressed Sir Francis Bell, Btating strongly his opinion of the desir- . ability, of the acquisition of the fish ponds site, and stressed the advantage of tto large amooat of ground