Recession Affects Private Schools

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31586, 25 January 1968, Page 1

Recession Affects Private Schools

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, January 24. Several of Otago’s private schools will start the first term with vacancies in their boarding houses—almost certainly because of the economic recession.

The unfilled places are not numerous. But after years of long waiting lists at the majority of New Zealand’s private schools—many charging about $2OO a term—they are unexpected. In Otago schools, principals generally accept that the economic situation is responsible. Reduced incomes—particularly among the farming community from which boarding schools draw many of their pupils—have forced some parents to decide against sending children away to school this year. Summing up, the rector of

John McGlashan College, Dunedin (Mr R. T. Hunt), said: “We haven’t had any withdrawals. But we haven’t had the usual number of entries.” McGlashan would have a few vacancies, he said. The economic. recession does not yet seem to have affected public schools with boarding establishments. Campbell House, the Otago Boys’ High School hostel, is full with 104 boarders—and there is a waiting list as usual. The boarding houses at both Waitaki Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools, Oamaru, are expected to be full this year.