SCHOOL FUNDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 163, 11 June 1929, Page 2

SCHOOL FUNDS

COLLEGE STREET PROPOSAL. WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARENTS. The College Street School Committee, on the recommendation of its entertainment committee, last evening decided to approach parents for small weekly contributions to the school funds. Opinion was divided on the question, it being contended on the one hand that at present the parents gave tho amounts by way of admission to concerts, etc., where the expenses decreased the proceeds. Those in opposition to the proposal, on the other hand, claimed that it struck at the heart of the principle of free education. The entertainment committee brought the suggestion that parents be asked to give Id, 3d or 6d per week throughout tho school year, this being estimated to produce £6O per annum. ‘‘l am very strongly against this proposal,” said Mr W. F. Cutler. “It means you are going past free education. It may seem ridiculous, but I think that there are many who can’t afford it. It is the principle I object to.”

The chairman (Mr W. R. Taylor) : It is just a question of whether we collect the money weekly or hold a Paddy’s market or something and charge the amount in one hit. Mr H. A. Hamilton pointed out that other schools raised funds they required. He supported Mr Cutler. “Tho idea of free education in this country or any other can be wiped out,” said Mr C. Turnbull. “There's no such thing.” Mr Cutler stated that there was a movement throughout New Zealand to obtain higher capitation which would assist committees greatly.

It was the opinion of Mr Turnbull that it did not matter whether the parents paid to go to a concert, where at least half the proceeds went towards expenses, or paid small weekly sums, except that the latter was the more efficient way of getting the money.

Mr R. Edwards agreed with the last speaker, stating that the proposal was more economic than the present way of raising funds. The proposal was then put to the meeting and cairied, Messrs Hamilton and Cutler voting against it. Mr Hamilton counselled the committee not to put the scheme into operation until after a general meeting of householders.