THE SCHOOL AGE

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 26, 30 July 1932, Page 15

THE SCHOOL AGE

ADMISSION BEFORE SIX

NOT LEGALLY PRECLUDED

The contention of the Nelson Education Board that education boards have the right to admit to the schools at the beginning of, the term children who would attain the'age of six years during that period, provided they "were not placed on the roll, was commented on to-day by the: Minister of Education (the Hon. E. Masters).

The Slinister said he had given consideration to the representation of the Nelson Education Board. "There is no doubt,'.' he proceeded, "that the manifest intention of the, Legislature' was'to restrict the age of admission to six years, and that being so, lifeel that boards should, and will, respect such intention. ■ At the-' same time I appreciate the fact that, provided they are not placed on ti^e' roll, the; existing lawdoes not preclude children from attendance at the beginning Of--the term during 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 that: children should .be allowed to enter school at the beginning of the term during which- they reach six, but if .they' are -so admitted I feel that it should'be done by Act of Parliament: I have no doubt that 1 shall 'have the co-pperation of the boards • in giving effect to the expressed intention of the Legislature." .. -;■" ■■'.]