GIRLS’ COLLEGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 134, 8 June 1937, Page 9

GIRLS’ COLLEGE

NEED FOR NEW BUILDING ‘MINISTER’S INSPECTION ADAPTABLE SITE AT WANGANUI EAST Established in 1891, the Wanganui Girls’ College, a school which is constantly being called upon to cope with increased patronage, is very much in need of a new building. The present premises, attractive in outward appearance, lack the convenience and comfort of a modern building, and for some 21) years have been considered obsolete as regards their function. Yesterday, the Minister of Education (Hon. P. Fraser), the fifth occupant of that oilice to whom the conditions of the college have been referred, inspected the buildings and was made acquainted with the decision of the College Board to anticipate a new building oy the purchase of a new site at Wanganui East. Mr Fraser said that the handicaps the college was facing in the way of accommodation were only too apparent, and the Government would do its best to bring improvement about. The Minister, in company with Messrs G. S. Gordon, O. Hales, W. J. Rogers, Dr. G. H. Robertson, and E. F. Hemingway, members of the College Board, and the secretary (Mr G. N. Boulton), inspected the site of the proposed new college. Later, under the guidance of the collego principal (Miss A. C. Tizard, M.A.), and accompanied by Mrs J. C. Wickham and Miss Currie, two further members of the board, Mr Fraser visited the class rooms, following the winding passageways and noting the cramped conditions under which the school was working. The long period of negotiation for a new bunding, a period punctuated with promises, the purchase of a site, the actual irawing of plans and, finally, the slump, was described by the chairman of the board (Mr Gordon). He said that the present college buildings were erected 46 years ago and 20 years ago an agitation was started for a new college in 1917 the board had purchased a site at Wanganui East. By this time the accommodation at the present college was becoming limited and the board realised that either a new building or extensions to the present one would soon be necessary. Several promises had been made by past Governments' for grants to enable a new building to be proceeded with, but nothing hau been done. In 1930, however, plans were ordered and accepted, and the building would have been proceeded with but for the period of financial stringency which commenced at that time, the board considering that it would not impose any additional burden on the Government by going on with the project. In addition, had the work been proceeded with then, only part of the scheme could have been undertaken. The position had grown steadily worse, continued Mr Gordon, and to-day they were three classrooms short. The present site was too restricted to permit of further additions being made, and it was a question of going on or going back. He expressed the hope that tne urgent requirements of the college would receive the favourable consideration of the department.

Mr Rogers said that the present conditions were trying, both to the college staff and tne pupils, and he felt sure that the Minister’s visit would be a step forward in alleviating the present inconvenience and discomfort.

The Minister, in reply, said that he was well aware that a problem existed at the college in respect to accommodation. Over the entire Dominion there was a great need for improvements to schools, both primary and post-primary, and also teacners’ dwellings. Some were good, others not so good, and some very bad indeed. The building programme was so big, in fact, that it would take years to complete. “We have louna another problem at the Wanganui Giris’ College,” continued the Minister. “There is no room to argue and the condition w the accommodation here is only too apparent, especially in regard to some of the classrooms that are no better than cupboards. ’The obsolete nature of other rooms is also apparent.”

The school itself was not old in comparison with many others but it was prematurely aged in regard to its obsolescence, he said. It was quite obvious that there was not sufficient space for the present building requirements and the board was faced with the problem of buying adjacent sites or going out of the city where there was more room. The tentative impression he had formed was that the buildings were obsolete. The hostel, was, subject to limitations, very good. He congratulated those responsible for tne good use made of tne hostel, the rooms being well ventilated and lighted. Tne kitchen laundry, and uming-hall were all much better than one would expect, after seeing the school itself. “It is the duty of the Government, the department, and the Minister, to see that some improvement is made,” said Mr Fraser. “I am not going to sign a blank cheque presentable in 20 years, but I will say we will do the best we can and that we recognise the necessity for its being done."