THE SCHOOL AGE.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20630, 20 August 1932, Page 17

THE SCHOOL AGE.

MINISTER DEFINES WISHES OF GOVERNMENT. The position of the 'Government in relation to children under the age of six years attending school from the beginning of the term in which they attain that age is defined by the Minister for Education (the Hon. B. Masters) in a letter read at yesterday 's meeting of the Canterbury Education Board. The letter bears the date July 29th. According to the letter, the Nelson l Education Board had raised the ques- | tion of children under the age of sis [ years being permitted to enter the schools at the beginning of the term 1 during which they attain the age of six, provided they were not placed om the roll. It had obtained legal opinion confirming its opinion that such a right existed. "There is no doubt that the manifest intention of the Legislature was to restrict the age of admission to six years," states the Minister, "and, that being so. I feel that Boards should and mil respect this intention. At the same time I appreciate the faet that, provided they are not placed on the roll, the existing law does not preclude children from attendance at the beginning of the term in which they attain the age of six years, should the Boards decide to admit them. "From the point of view of continuity of work, I can see that there are certain advantages in the suggestion, but if children are so admitted I feel it should be done by Act of Parliament, end I shall be glad to have the co-op eration of your Board in giving effect to the expressed intention of the I-egis-latnre.'' Mr S. B. Eviwn referred to a statement made rfeontlv In Auckland by Mr A. Harris, M.P.. to the effect that the Government intended to introduce legislation to enable children to attend schools at the commencement of the term in which they will attain the age of six. Mr C. S. Thompson sai-1 thai if this was done it would be gratifying. The letter was reeeived.