SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20422, 12 February 1938, Page 6

SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION

The Minister of Education has promised tliat more adequate provision will be made for those attending the secondary schools in Hamilton, and a plan of reorganisation has been agreed upon. It will entail the erection of a new high school for boys on the reserve in Hamilton East, thus relieving the pressure on accommodation that must handicap the school authorities to-day. There is, however, an immediate need for suitable hostels for the students now attending the schools, and probably if the two boards were to place the position fully before the Minister he would have instructions given for this work to be put in hand without delay. The parents are desirous of affording their children every opportunity. During the years of economic depression many of them made considerable sacrifice in order that the children might not be handicapped through lack of schooling, and, with improved conditions, many more are anxious that the young people should benefit. The growth in the number of scholars may be due, in part, to the larger population of town and district, but whatever the cause, the position to-day presents serious problems. The co-operation between the two governing boards was a big factor in securing the official endorsement of the amalgamation plans and if they now’ were to approach the Minister of Education and ask that something should be done without delay to provide suitable hostel accommodation, in such a way that it would form part of the larger plans, they should be able to rely on the sympathetic interest of Mr. Fraser. The position is difficult. The boards want to provide for all the children who wish to attend the schools, and the parents, in cases where the children must board, naturally want them to be under proper supervision at all times. It would not be unreasonable to proffer a request for an early commencement of the hostels that are to form part of the amalgamation plan. It would tend to show how well-founded was the claim for something comprehensive. It may be possible to devise temporary measures in the meantime, but the need for permanent accommodation will continue to grow. What is wanted is something that will ensure sufficient for present and future requirements. A discussion with the Director of Education, or with the officers in charge of the work of designing these buildings, would be helpful. The most telling argument in favour of early action is the position that exists. It is causing those who control these institutions some concern, and as the need for larger buildings and for hostels has been recognised a policy of priority for the buildings most urgently required would give the boards an assurance that improved conditions would be a matter of only a little time.