EDUCATION IN HAMILTON

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14109, 11 July 1919, Page 5

EDUCATION IN HAMILTON

" DEMAND FOR ACCOMMODATION.

The demand for increased school accommodation in Hamilton is still acute, the quick growth of the town during the past few years having resulted in the number of children of school age greatly increasing. As a result the present school buildings are crowded. The Hamilton West School Committee had hoped that the new school at Whitiora, which by the latest advices from the Board is to be opened on September Ist, would relieve the position somewhat; bu the committee is now of the opinion that it will not do so to the extent expected, for now more of the accommodation will be required for infant children, just starting school. Possibly 50, mostly young children, will leave Hamilton West to go to Whitiora.

The committee is fully aware of the unsatisfactory' state of affairs at the Oddfellow's Hall, and had hoped that the opening of the Whitiora school would enable it to do away with the necessity for using the hall, which has no playing area, the children being forced to spend their recreation periods jn the street. The probability is however that the use of the hall will have to be continued. This, of course, is regretted. The committee has been advised to wait until the Whitiora school is opened to see their exact position, and then apply to the Board for any extra accommodation which may be found necessary. The Board is entirely sympathetic, and is of the opinion that Whitiora will eventually be a large school, perhaps the largest in Hamilton. If the committee can show ne-id for additions, then it will probably get them immediately.

It is understood that five members of the Board will attend the Farmers' School to be held at the Ruakura Farm of Instruction shortly, and while here the committee will place Ihe whole position before them. The Whitiora school, as at present arranged, will accommodate about 100 pupils. ____^^^__