OLD .FURNITURE IN SCHOOLS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27426, 12 August 1954, Page 12

OLD .FURNITURE IN SCHOOLS

SPECIAL GRANT FOR REPLACEMENT COMMITTEES TO RENEW REQUEST A special grant to bring furniture in older schools up to modern standards will again be sought by the Canterbury School Committees’ Association alter it has checked with the Canterbury Education Board the state of funds now available. The matter was mentioned in two letters received at a meeting of the association last evening from the Minister of Education (Mr R. M. Algie). The Minister said that each education board had the responsibility of allocating funds from its maintenance grant according to district needs. These differed from district to district, and he could not accept as applying generally the association’s statement that the present maintenance grant was not sufficient to allow funds to be set aside for furniture replacements. The Canterbury board could seek an increase in the grant, but he would expect supporting facts and figures, said the Minister. In his other letter, Mr Algie said the Canterbury board’s maintenance fund was 4n credit last January, and he was informed that the same applied elsewhere. The disetfssion opened with objections by delegates to Mr Algie saying that the secretary (Mr A. Greenwood), as a member of the Education Board, would be aware of the position. Speakers said that board members who happened to belong to the association did- not attend in an official capacity, and it was decided to express regret that Mr Algie had used this approach. “This is just another silly letter in which the Minister is trying to slide out.” said Mr E. F. Wilde. “I think the Minister has missed the point,” said Mr R. K. Miln. The association wanted a special grant to cover arrears of furniture replacement. The credit mentioned possibly existed because the board could not get work done.

“What businessman has all his accounts paid up at the end of any month?” asked Mr Greenwood.

“The Minister is duck-shoving, as usual.” said Mr R. Claridge. He suggested that the board be asked whether, in fact, it had a credit in its maintenance fund and, if so. why old furniture had not been brought up to standard. If the answer was what he expected, it would be more evidence to give the Minister, Mr Claridge said. It was agreed to consult the board before renewing representations.