TOWN v. COUNTRY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 57, Issue 3993, 14 May 1948, Page 10

TOWN v. COUNTRY

WHICH SCHOOL IS BETTER?

FARMERS’ IMPROMPTU DEBATE

An impromptu debate on country schools versus town schools was held at the last meeting of the Paeroa branch of the Federated Farmers. Mr H. C. Jackson was strongly in favour of small country schools where, he said, a better general, all-round education was given.

Mi A. F. Thorp: A child from a country school does have a better general knowledge than a child from a city school. He knows more about —

Mr J. E. Silcock: Cows? Mr J. H. Lauder expressed his preference for city schools where there were better recreational facilities for sport and where, added Mr R. A. Foster, a child could learn to swim.

The question of the Tirohia school being closed down and the children brought into' Paeroa by bus was discussed. Mr Jackson said: u I think that centralisation is one of the biggest curses in this country.”

As the debate was somewhat prolonged the chairman, Mr A. F. Thorp, had to bring it to a close, with the problem as to which school was the better, town or country, still unsolved.