PALMERSTON SCHOOLS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 41, 18 February 1932, Page 6

PALMERSTON SCHOOLS

CONTROVERSY ABOUT THE CENTRAL. FULL STATEMENT OF COST. the work of demolishing portion of the Central School, Palmerston North, and re-modelling the premises as a safeguard against earthquake has not proceeded without its full share of criticism. A controversy has been waged in the Afanawatu centre ever since the undertaking was authorised. A letter, with reference to the removal of timber from th c site, which had appeared in the Palmerston North press, was read to a meeting of thc Wanganui Education Board, yesterday, at the request of Air J. K. Horn blow. He asked that, in view of the statements made, thc board should obtain an explanation.

The architect (Mr E. R. Hodge) said that thc letter in question contained statements that were •contrary to fact. No timber, except some that had been stolen, had been removed from thc site unless it was charged up to the person taking it. Relief workers had asked for timber and were told that they could have it if it was paid for. That was a condition everybody had to observe. Mr Hornblow expressed himself as satisfied with the explanation. Air Al. H. Oram asked that when the job was completed at thc Central Schoo] ho be supplied with a full statement of the cost. There was a controversy in progress and he was waiting for that statement before making his reply. The architect: I am preparing a full report of the whole undertaking. Will that cover the position? Air Oram: So long as it shows the cost. I presume the work has been done for less than thc grant? The architect: It will be under the estimate by about £2OOO.