SCHOOL DESCRIBED

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3423, 22 February 1936, Page 3

SCHOOL DESCRIBED

BEAUTY OF BUILDINGS

AN AESTHETIC INSPIRATION

Approaching St. Peter’s School up the rolling drive, the visitor passes through a beautiful grove ot magnificent trees behind which rise the tiled roof, buff coloured walls, and pointed dormer windows of the main dormitory block. The beauty of the buildings is heightened by the tones ot the finishings. The buff plaster-caste walls are relieved by green window-sashes and spouting. The interior walls are all of white plaster. The drive terminates in a square flanked on three sides by the main building and its two projecting wings. The beauty and symmetry of the forward facade is the visitor’s first impression of the school, but there are many more, equally impressive awaiting him. The main portal, illuminated at night by two lantern-type wall lights, is a Tudor arched doorway glassed with simple, yet impressive / leadlights. A replica of the door just t opposite on the rear wall of tne / block opens upon the quadrangle, which, when laid out in lawns and landscape gardens will provide a pleasant outlook.

Ventilation has been a major consideration in the planning of the school and a walk through the buildings demonstrates the fact that fresh air and sunlight circulate in every corner of the interior. The administrative quarters are situated just inside the main entrance, the secretary’s office being on the right. On turning to the right after entering the visitor traverses a wide corridor floored with cork to obviate unnecessary noise. A further turn to the right, and he is in the projecting wing on the right of the square. Through an open doorway he sees the cosily furnished lounge where visitors are welcomed by the staff (when they are not too busily engaged with their school duties). The school prefects, when they are appointed, will congregate in a ‘Common room opposite the visitors 1 - lounge. Next door is the ..library ] Avhere the boys may adjourn for quiet reading. The near end contains the reference section, while the far shelves will be stocked with a selected take-out collection. A striking feature of the library is the beautiful plain royal blue carpet which emphasises the aesthetic atk mosphere of the room, r Fine Collection of Pictures An appreciation of the beautiful -should soon become an integral part , 0 f the natures of the boys of St. Peter’s. On the walls throughout the school, in the corridors and dormitories are hung a selection of pictures which are a revelation to the visitor. They include several Medici prints of well-known Old Masters, and reproductions of many beautiful water-colours and pastels of subjects calculated to appeal subconsciously to the minds of young boys. The pictures were selected by Mr Broadhurst and brought with him from England. At the further end of this wing is situated the Rev. J. M. Beaufort’s suite. His study adjoins a comfortably furnished lounge which looks out on the chapel. At the rear of the wing just described, and built at an angle to the central block is the boys’ playroom, which is flanked by the cloisters connecting the main block with the .refectory and kitchens. The other side of the main building is equally interesting. On the ‘ left there is a small reception room. A staircase leads up to the left,

spreads, and even in the toning of the pictures. Blue, red, orange and green are the colours selected, and a remarkable effect has been achieved in each case. The airiness and freshness prevailing in the school is most noticeable in the dormitories, where large window space ensures a continuous air stream, and sunshine pours unobstructed into the rooms. The boys are arranged in the dormitories according to age. The joint headmasters also sleep on this floor, and their bedrooms are so situated as to be in proximity to two of the dormitories. The large bathroom, containing fourteen baths, is situated in the central block next to the linen room, where the boys’ clothes are stored in separate lockers. No clothes are left in the dormitories during the

day. Very complete sanatorium quarters occupy the forward wing over Mr Broadhurst’s suite. A heavy carpet covers the corridor past the matron’s quarters to lessen noise. The hospital room is finished in white, the four beds being of white also. An isolation room contains two beds. A dispensary is also included in the sick quarters. The attic floor of the main building extends over the central block, and the two forward wings only. Five comfortably furnished bedrooms are situated in the right wing where the lady members of the staff live. The central portion of the floor contains the housekeeper’s rooms, and the staff common-room. A boxroom and heating chamber are built in the left forward wing, which also contains the guest rooms.

lie schools, and later to Christ College, Oxford, whence he graduated as a Bachelor of Arts. Although a keen all-round sportsman at school, Mr Broadhurst devoted most of his spare time to rowing. In 1910 he rowed Head of the River in the Christ Church Torpid crew, and during the 1912 season gained select honours for his college at Henley Royal Regatta. Following his graduation, shortly before the War, Mr Broadhurst became associated with Tootal Broadhurst Lee Co. Ltd. On the outbreak of hostilities he enlisted with the Public School Corps, being transferred later to the Highland Light Infantry. Like many other young men serving in France, Mr Broadhurst became interested in flying, and in due course he joined the Royal Air Force, attaining the rank

Zealand. After making his decision he spent three months visiting various parts of the Dominion, and finally selected Cambridge as the district, and “Gwvnnelands” as the site, tor his school.