OPUNAKE SCHOOL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 13 June 1924, Page 4

OPUNAKE SCHOOL.

BEQUEST FOR DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

INADEQUATE ACCOMMODATION

A special committee reported to the Education Board on Wednesday with regard to the Gpunake school as follows: “We conferred with the chairman and members of the committee and the headmaster at Opunake. We find that the success being met with in the conduct of a Standard VII. class taking secondary subjects has resulted in considerable overcrowding ,although on a strict average attendance there is still 11.2 square feet per pupil. The work of a secondary class necessitates an arrangement of the classes there is no chance of providing for under present conditions, with the result that some 27 children are herded in the cloak room for the whole of the teaching period. We recommend plans be prepared and application made to the department for an additional classroom. In connection with the heaters applied for, we recommend application he made to the department in accordance with the regulations laid down for a grant to instal and provide one light point, the board under the special circumstances to provide one radiator when the committee have fixed the other points proposed.”

Mr Smith asked if something could not be done for Opunake. He moved that the establishmetn of manual classes and the provision of accommodation be referred to Messrs Masters and himself to make representations at Wellington. The secretary said that the department took up the position that the time was not yet ripe for these classes at Opunake. Mr White said the position was very acute. Some classes were crowded into tne cloakroom, which was also the entrance hall. Opunake was situated a considerable distance from the railway, and there were a number of children there who were entitled to post-primary education. Though an effort had been made to do so, the required number (20) to establish a district high school could not be obtained, only 17 pupils being available. There were parents who could not afford to send their children to a secondary school outside the district. He felt sure that once a district high school was established its continuance would be justified. He hoped the board would do all in its power to obtain a district high school for Opunake. On the motion of Mr .White, seconded by Mr Dempsey, the report was adopted.

Mr White asked if the senior inspector could offer any scheme which would solve the problem. Mr Wily said he was not in a position to do that at present Mr Smith said it, was a little unfortunate that they had three uncertified teachers at Opunake, and this added to the difficulties of the situation. A new certificated teacher was necessary if Mr Cron was to devote nis time to the children receiving advanced education. He thought they should ask for a qualified teacher capable of relieving Mr Cron, and also tor a new room. Opunake’s case was a special one. There were not siifficient pumis to justify the establishment of a district high school, though sufficient to justify the appointment of an addimittArT +tf ? l ch nr' Th ? department admitted that. He emphasised that there bind sehoo,s in New Zealand attended by less pupils than were available for Opunake. Sir Masters thought that the mattei lay to some extent with the board. 'TT ai ?_ undue number of nnceitificated teachers at Opunake the positions should be readvertised and certificated teachers appointed. Mr MaS" inSV,!CtOI " sreed " ith Mr Smith moved that' the matter he referred to Messrs Lees and White tor C '° nfer with +he senior inspect w? 1 a Vl<nv to making a recoin-' xv;f'v. datlon Y° *be department, both nahe i r +n t 0 acconi modation at OnuS7a| a^e£.” eCeSS “ r,Or an addiriA fw " h 0 mi£l,t pr °- The motion was carried.