NEW GIRLS’ COLLEGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 82, Issue 288, 6 December 1938, Page 6

NEW GIRLS’ COLLEGE

MINISTER ACKNOWLEDGES ITS URGENCY FINANCE THE DIFFICULTY The Minister of Education (Hon. P. Fraser) has again expressed his opinion that the need for a new girls’ college at Wanganui is urgent. He told a deputation, which waited on him at Wellington yesterday, that the building was one of two which he considered the most urgent in the Dominion, but pointed out that authority to proceed with the work would depend on finance.

Plans of a college building and separate hostel were discussed with the Minister by the deputation, and Mr. Fraser said that what was proposed was too elaborate and costly. He suggested modification of the plans and the department's architect (Mi. R. Savage) is to come to Wanganui and confer with the board and its architect (Mr. E. R. Hodge) with that object. Members of the deputation, on their return from Wellington, said that the Minister was very sympathetic, but made it clear that whatever was done would have to be within the finance at his disposal. It is probable that a less pretentious college building than that proposed will have to proceed as one job oi work, leaving the hostel to come later The deputation was headed by Mr. G. S. Gordon (chairman of the College Board of Governors.’ and included the Mayor of Wanganui (Mr. W. J. Rogers), who is also a member of the board, Mr G. N. Boulton (secretary of the board) and the board's architect (Mr. E. R. Hodge). The deputation was introduced by Mr. J. B. Cotterill. M.P. for Wanganui, who has taken an active part in pressing Wanganui's claims for a new building.