CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19063, 27 July 1927, Page 13

CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.

LAKESIDE TO JOIN LEESTON. An important step in the advancement of the movement to have a consolidated school established at Leeston was taken at Lakeside on Monday night, when a fully representative meeting of householders carried a resolution agreeing to the joining up of Lakeside School with Leeston. There was an attendance of 28, which is exactly equal to the roll number of the scEool. Mr W. J, Nairn, chairman of the School Committee, presided. Several members of the Leeston School Committee were present to give information where it was desired.

The question was given a thorough discussion for over two hours before-a ] resolution was framed. Many question? were asked, and a keen division of opinion was evident. The chairman explained that at a meeting at Leeston some months ago, members of the Education Board had given addresses upon the system of consolidated schools. The Lakeside Committee had been in favour of consolidation, and had mapped out a proposed route and called tenders for the carriage contract, but it had resolved not to ask finally for consolidation until the householders had had an opportunity of giving their opinions. The advantages claimed for consolidation were explained by the chairman. The headmaster, Mr R. Bruce, expressed himself as wholly in favour of the principle of consolidation, and agreeable to the establishment of a consolidated school at Leeston provided that all the neighbouring schools joined in. He did not think there would be any advantage however, in an odd school such as Lakeside amalgamating on its own account. Mr D. H. Reid (Leeston) said that it was planned to have all the schools around Leeston centralised, and he did libt see why Lakeside should not have the honour of leading the way. If Lakeside entered consolidation,' he did not think the other schools would remain out for long. Mr 6. Nairn said he wished to make it clear that the conveyance of pupils to a consolidated school would be borne by the Department,' and there would be no cost whatever to the parents. Mr F. Alexander supported consolidation as being in keeping with modern methods of education.

Mr H. Schnelle opposed it on the grounds that the smaller schools seemed to yield as good results in the proficiency examinations as did the larger ones.

The following resolution was moved by Mr H. Schnelle: "That this meeting of Lakeside householders affirms that the school district is satisfied with its educational facilities, and does not approve of consolidation." •'Mr E. J. Alexander ' seconded the motion.

F. Alexander moved and Mr 6. Nairn seconded an amendment: "That this meeting favours the joining up of Lakeside School with Leeston as a consolidated school." There were 14 votes for the amendment and 14 against. - The chairman gave his casting vote in favour of the amendment, which was declared carried.