THE MANAWATU HERALD. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1878. THE EDUCATION BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, 27 September 1878, Page 2

THE MANAWATU HERALD. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1878. THE EDUCATION BOARD.

The members of the Wanganui Education Board were considerably exercised on Wednesday last over the letter sent by the Chairman of tbe Foxton School Committee, enclosing a bold and outspoken affirmation of the intentions of the Committee regarding tho action of the Board, in wanting the plans for the proposed alterations further curtailed. That resolution amounted to this :—•"■ We need additions to ov • school to " prcservo the health of the scholars ; ovr "plans have been cut down in every possible '* way so as to obtain the necessary accom- " modation without going beyond your " vote ; now that we have done our best to " meet your wishes, and to maintain the " school efficiently, wo absolutely decline to " make any further alterations." This was regarded by many members of the Board as " dictatorial," and the opinion soemed to be freely expressed that the Committee did not sufficiently appreciate its relative position towards the Education Board. We differ from the Board in their estimate of the letter, and think considering the treatment the Foxton School Committee have received, they have shown even greater forbearance than thoy needed to havo done. In fact, we are peiiectly aware that the Committee have repeatedly during the progress of this disputo witli the Board, preferred to sink their feel' lgs on the matter, and endeavored to carry out the wishes of tbe Board, s : nply to prevent clashing with the Buperior body, and often have surrendered their ow a convictions to a desire to preserve the interests of tho school, which would be seriously imperilled by a collision with tho Board. We find it very difficult to undei stand the reason of the Board for its miserly treatment of this diitnct. Tho cost to the Board for Foxton schoolbuildings hitherto has beon nil. a Hae property has come into the hands of the Board Without their having expended a singlejpoiiny ; and it is surely not ,: dictatorial" to demand that the health of the scholars should bo considered paramount, aud sufficient accomo* dation provided. Several niemberg of the Board being residents of the town of Wanganr'.and the adjacent district,no doubt feel the importance of the cb*!ef town being we" looked after in education matters. But wh -I .st fully admitting this, we would urge the cla" ns of outlying towns to equal consideration. Whilst High Schools and Colleges are be?ig talked of for Wanganui, the members must not forget that Common Schools are absolute necessities to the country districts. Foxton has cost the Board nothing for teacher's residence, whilst other towns, not of equal size, have had considerable sums lavished npon them. And despite Mr Dalrymple's remaz-k, we affirm that the Board gains considerably in its finances by the economical manner in which the Foxton School is conducted. Motoa School, we affivm, in opposition to the gentleman named, has no more connection with Foxton, than that at Hawera. The districts and committees are distinct. And remembering thafc Poi'on has cost nothing in tho past, that tho Board is annually making money by the school, and that Foxton is entitled to a fair shuc of the vote for building purposes, we think the Committee have done their duty in making a bold stand against the Board's constant request to cut down the plans.

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