MASTERTON HIGH SCHOOL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 45, Issue 13983, 20 November 1919, Page 6

MASTERTON HIGH SCHOOL.

MINISTERIAL VISIT.

A representative gathering oi citizens of Masterton interested in educational matters waited upon the Hon. ■JSir Francis Bell, Minister of .Education, at the Municipal Buildings yesterday afternoon in connection with the High" School' project. His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Jackeon) briefly introduced the various <;itizens present to the visitors, and explained the position necessitating the visit of the Minister

Mr F. W. Temple (Chairman of Iho Masterton Progressive League) *tn!ecl -that the demand of Masterton was for a High School. Hβ expressed the 'hope that the Minister would make a deiiaiite pronouncement after hearing the views put before him, to allow a start to be made with this necessary institution.

Mr C. E. Daniell also spoke. The Hon. Francis Bell informed the deputation that Masterton would have its High School, separate from tl'C Technical School. He would do his Oest for them on Tic-half of the Government of New Zealand in the matter of a site. The Minister intimated that he wanted to know something more about the |siite adjoining Hie Cameron Memorial Ground, and lie fel'; sure that those interested would supply him with the necessary information concerning price, etc. Kef err to the Trast Lands Trust fish pom I .* site, Sir Francis stated that he was not going to bo governed by the decision of the recent public meetiag— it -was certainly a guide, but he was .going to use his discretion in the matter. If he did not, it would not. haw been necessary for him to spend a day and come up from Wellington. The Minister would not make any definite atatement in connection with the Government's financial proposals for the Higa School, but he firmly assured the deputation that the sum provide 1 -would be a substantial one. The hen. gentleman then stated that should it txroiEe necessary at some future date to make additions to the present Technical School, ho would not refuse t 0 recommend the Government to provide the necessary assistance. The Hon. Sir Walter B.iehauan, 3I.LC, expressed the personal opinion that the Government, when coawlariug the question, should Lot take into consideration the matter of cost, but should provide the best site possibly even if it cost a little more, . ; Dr. Anderson (ftireetor of Education) stated that the Minhuvs pronouncement had cleared away iin in.ftkil difficulty, and the question of site was narrowed down to only a few. Sir W. T. Grundy stated that the iish -ponds site, being situated near the Railway at Solway, was most suitable for children coming by train from as far north as Eketahuna, and south from Featherston. He did not think the Cameron Park site was nearly as suitable, as it would mean the children walking right through the town from the railway station. Mr Grundy stared that undoubtedly, the growth of AJ.as--tertoi was in a westerly direction. Dr. Anderson: Have you considered JLansilowne?

Mr Grandy: Yes, but Lansdowne is only a small part of the Wairai'.ioa. Be went on to state that he was look* ing towards the future, and not only the needs of the present. Mr Grun•dy asserted that at some distant date ■a tram service in Masterton would ■suit the requirements or! the Lansdowne High School pupils.

Mr E. G. Eton supported the acquisition of the. fishponds site.

His Worship the Mayor briefly thanked the Minister for his vis-it which Ihe felt sure would result in much good.

Mr G. B. Sykes, M.P., also thanked Sir Francis Bell and Dr. Anderson for their visit.