INFANTS AND CAPITATION GRANTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 95, 22 April 1912, Page 2

INFANTS AND CAPITATION GRANTS.

TO THE SDITOB. Sir,— As Qic annual State School Committee elections ara to take place this evening, perhaps the following may be opportune: — T.'v> jindereigned, whilst on former School committees, aften noticed the disparity between the attendance of the infante and the older children. Of course, the reason is 'obvious, because no parents would send their young children to school if not quite well (more especially if they were. a, long way off) through the bad weather, and yet the bigger ones could go all right, because they are stronger. Now, sir, the point 1 wish to bring forward is this: Through the inability of the infante to attend as often as the bigger ones, the total attendance of the school is much reduced, and_ consequently the capitation grant (which is based on the total attendance) is small as a result, solely through the 1 infants (who, wee mite 6, are, just a little bigger than babies) • not being • able- to battle along as well as their big brothers and sisters. What I would suggest is that the Government should amend the Act so as to base the grant just on the bigger scholars' attendance, and not take the infants' roll at all. The Government would not miss the extra small amount, but the email increase in the grant woxild be very acceptable to the often hard-worked I School Committee. — I am, etc., 22nd April. E. F. JONES. BATHS FOR BROOKLYN TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — At ono of Councillor M'Laren's meetings he is reported to have said that Councillor Smith advocated hot water baths for Brooklyn, and further etates that the proposal was first brought forward by Labour candidates at the last election. Now, sir, such a statement by an outsider would perhaps be excusable, but from one who is at present a member of tho City Council it cannot be so considered. That swimming baths (cold) were to bo provided .for, the benefit of residents of Brooklyn and surrounding districts woa decided at, a council meeting held, last year (Councillor M'Laren was present), and the sum of £750 is to be placed on this « year's estimates fqr that purpose. Again>; the proposal was first brought forward by Brooklyn residents (not Labour candidates), and engineered by the Jocal Ratepayers' Association. Some two yoars' persistent agitation was necee&ary before they were successful in convincing the council' of the necessity for the baths. The large population now residing in this part of tho city are at a distinct disadvantage io other suburbs, who are mostly within short distance and easy access of tho water front. Such a hairbrained scheme as hot water baths at Brooklyn has never been eug> gestcd. I may here etato what Councillor Smith did say. It is proposed to have a recreation ground at the foot of Brooklyn hills, and that it would have a swimming bath in it. Mr. M'Laren should know all about these baths, ac it has been promuiently be- \ fore the council by deputation and otherwise for some considerable time past. — I am., etc., SPRINGBOARD. i ' — —— — ~~