THE NEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 408, 4 February 1881, Page 17

THE NEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

(From the Waimati Times.') Decidedly the handsomest building devoted to scholastic purposes in this district is the new Catholic school, now receiving the finishing touches, just erected in Cameron street, Wai mate. It is not strictly of any particular order of architecture, and may be described as composite, though Gothic features predominate. The building, which is 30 feet in height to ridge, stands lengthwise to the street, and has two gabled porches, one at each end, united by a verandah, the chimneys — of elegant design, flanking a light and pretty belfry — being brought in by the skill of the architect as highly ornamental features. The material is brick, the inside walls being plastered, and the outer faced with couapo', so as not to be distinguishable from stone. In the gables the letters A.D. and the figures 1880 intertwined are inserted in relievo in white stone panels which, with corresponding quoins, show out in pleasing, but not severe contrast with the light fawn colour of the outside work generally. The roof contrasts well in the rich brown hue peculiar to hematite paint, and the woodwork of the eaveboards, and the pretty iron crosses which form the gable finials, are all being picked out in bronze. Altogether the appearance of the building is exceedingly pretty and tasteful. The schoolroom, which is 70 feet by 30 feet in floor space, with a height to the (plastered) ceiling of 16 feet, is dado-lined, with varnished kauri, to a height of 5 feet, the same description of timber being used for the flooring, and is abundantly lighted, having a triple-light window at the east and west ends, and six single-lights on the north and two on the south side. It is provided with two fire places, and is being fitted up with suitable bookcases, desks, ice. There also appears to be very satisfactory provision for ventilation. The porches, each 10 feet by 10 feet, are furnished with lavatories, the water for which is supplied from two reservoirs in the roof, capable of containing 10,000 gallons, whence also pipes descend to drinking fountains accessible from without, but to which the supply can be cut off by the master at will. The verandah will afford ample shelter in wet weather, having 41 feet by 10 feet 6 inches of floor space, and in fine weather, could, if needed, be used as a class room. It is floored with concrete. The architect is Mr. M. de H. Duval, the clerk of works, Mr. Delaney, the contractor for the building, Mr. N. Murphy, and for the painting, Mr. Knight, all of Timaru, and the edifice which is the result of their joint endeavours is a credit to air parties concerned. The contract was signed on the 29th September, and the building will be handed, over completed in all particulars within the current month. Its cost will be fully £1000, or with fittings £1100, and it speaks volnmeß for the liberality of the members of the church, to which it belongs, when we say that, every penny of that large sum has been contributed, and that it will be entirely free of debt.