SCHOOL TRANSPORT SYSTEM.

Matamata Record, Volume XIII, Issue 1111, 3 April 1930, Page 5

SCHOOL TRANSPORT SYSTEM.

. SMOOTH EFFICIENCY. Full Consolidation Must Come. (Contributed). ... if. fi "■ The Junior High School services, which have now been running for some years, transporting the scholars to and from the country „ districts, vhave long since become quite as commonplace as are ordinary passenger motor services. A Matamata resident who travelled on Mr. ! Ellery’s vehicle lately round the Pu-ketutu-Buckland road-Hinuera area was impressed by the efficiency of the system. All along the roads the scholars appeared promptly at the gates, and in no instance was the motor kept waiting. It was pleasing to see the little tots especially come out at the right minute and clamber up the steps, while mothers waved ■fond farewells from the house doors or verandahs; The assistant-teacher of the Hinuera primary school, Miss Hoffey, was one of the passengers, and it was charming to note how the boys among the Hinupra pupils 'would, politely rais.e their caps, to her, or if capless salute, as they stepped aboard. Np fuss, no delay, just smooth and pleasant promptitude and general efficiency. Regarding the factor of safety, while making allowance for the truth that there is no such condition as absolute and certain safety anywhere, it would seem that the children are quite as free from risk in the buses as footing it along the road to school, and with a modern glassedin vehicle such as Ellery’s is the conditions should be comfortable enough, even in rough and cold weather. As things now are one may hope that the day is not far distant when the full consolidated school, primary and beyond, will be the order of the day. With more pupils « to carry, the services could be still further improved, and in every direction the increased facilities, educational and social, made possible by consolidation would be to the adwantage of the children. Effecting lasting progress is a slow process, but full consolidation must come in time. Probably within the next decade there will be a great general acfvance made all along the front in the direction of rationalising our educational system by a more effective degree of local centralisa- • tion. . • The writer may add that , the Puketutu road, though vastly improved over its state of yore, is not beyond bettering. “ Puke ” meansmuch well, Puketutu road is much too “ too too ” in places yet, and the passengers get a few bumps that are beyond a joke. Riding councillor please take note. We know you are doing your best, but—have another * heave at it!