CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 304, 21 November 1935, Page 10

CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.

CONFLICTING VIEWS. The matter of consolidation of schools was discussed by the Wanganui Education Board yesterday, a number of reports, for and against, being before the meeting. It was proposed that the consolidation of Porewa-Mt. View*be held over until the end of 1936, but this was outvoted. Mr A. S. Coleman, who had put up a spirited fight for the proposal, was on the point of resigning. Mr Coleman said there were many residents of the district against the move, although, certainly, there were a few in favour of it. As the schools had been in existence for over sixty years, many were opposed to their being closed, for sentimental reasons.— Mr Coleman advised that thev wait until the end of next year, the Government having sent* abroad the DirectorGeneral (Mr Lambourne) who might come back with new ideas. Mr Tingey voted against the proposals, owing to the strong opposition of the people of Taonui, who, he said, clearly understood the position. As the mateer was something new to many outlying districts, Mr Coleman advised that they be given time to think it over. Mr W. Benefield said they were always being told that country children did not have the advantages town children had, and now the board .was offering them they refused them. Mr McMurtrie, the chief inspector, said there was no question in. rushing the matter, Mr E. F. Hemingway (the chairman) adding that their sole object in consolidating schools was to give the children a better education. Colonel AVhyte also pointed this out. Any disadvantages were heavily outweighed by the advantages, he said. Messrs Tingey, Oram, Hornblow and Colonel AVhyte reported as follows: “The sub-committee appointed to consider the consolidation of schools in the Palmerston North area met at the Central School. After a full consideration of details of the individual cases, the sub-committee, by a majority vote, recommends as follow: — “(1) that the Kelvin Grove-Terrace End Nevvbury-Russell Street, and Tia-kitahuna-Longburn proposals be approved by the board, provided that reasonable tenders can be obtained; but that no steps be taken to carry them into effect until members of the sub-committee have an oportunity to meet the residents in each ease to explain the advantages and to hear any objections which may be raised. Further, that the sub-committee be empowered to consider the objections and decide whether or not the proposals should then be carried out. “(2) In the cases of Taonui-Lytton Street and AA'aitohi-Rongotea, the residents have been met and the advantages of the scheme laid before them. Although there was strong opposition, wo feel that the objections advanced do not outweigh the advantages which

would accrue to the children. AVe therefore recommend that the consolidation proposals bo approved, provided that reasonable tenders can be obtained, but that they be not definitely carried into effect until a final decision lias been made regarding the cases mentioned in paragraph (1), and then only if such final decision is in favour of consolidation in all cases where objections are advanced. “It will he noted that the proposal to convey Newbury children to Palmerston North Central school has been abandoned in favour of Newbury to Russell Street. Any further large increase in the roll number at the Central School would involve the provision of additional classrooms, and it is not considered wise to furthef extend the buildings. The school roll is at present 815.”