MEREMERE SCHOOL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2417, 3 May 1893, Page 2

MEREMERE SCHOOL.

The Meremere settlers are very much disappointed that tbe Education Board has shunted their request for a school, and. we think, have good reason for complaining that the Board has not duly considered their claims. , We are assured that were a school established there would be an attendance, including several native children, of at least 8O 8 andlais certainly' ought to be sufficient justification for the necessary expenditure. We are aware that the Board is short of funds, but if our information as to tbe nnmber of children of sohool age who are growing up without education be correct, the shortness of funds is not a good reason for tbe Board delaying the performance of a plain duty. The additional capitation received by the Board would to a large extent recoup the annual expenditure, and, as for a building it ought to be managed somehow. Meremere is a typical case of the calls upon the Board which will justify it in asking for special consideration in respect of building grant, and will justify the Minister in conceding suob consideration. The settlers are men who have gone back into the bush to do the' work which all Ministers and Governments agree in declaring to be the very work necessary lor the prosperity of the coloDy and its people ; and every effort should be made to eecqrethat tbe children of the men and women who are subduing the wilderness Bhall have, as far as may bs, possible, the advantages of educatioc. One settler pointedly observes, " If the State makes education compulsory, BUrely it in turn should be compelled to provide education for our 30 children." We hope the Board will re- consider the claims of the Meremere settlers.