Parents’ Association of Correspondence School

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 221, 17 September 1943, Page 7

Parents’ Association of Correspondence School

BRANCH FORMED IN PALMERSTON NORTH Tho first meeting of its kind to be held in Palmerston North took place yesterday when 28 representatives of the Parents’ Association of the Corresi pondence School of the district assem- | bled at the invitation of tho president, ■ Mrs. J. D. Inglis, of Woodville, for the purpose of forming a branch. Mrs. i Inglis voiced her pleasure at tho attendance and the opportunity of meeting people who had previously only been names to her. She dealt briefly with the history of tho Correspondence School which this year had come of age and which is playing such an important part in the education of the child in the country districts, particularly in backblocks areas. The school had started with some 20 to 24 children and now had 3400 and a staff of 147. Approximately 20,000 children had gone through the school. Associated with the movement was the Parents* Association, formed in 1936. The association executive had felt with the growth of the movement it was now necessary to establish branches in various centres. The association, which was the only parents’ body which had the right to make direct representation to the Minister and the Director of Education, now had 1500 members, contact with whom had formerly been made irom Wellington. Mrs. Ingiis said the association had received the utmost help and cooperation of the Minister of, Education (Hon. H. G. R. Mason) and Dr. Beeby, Director of Education, who sent good wishes for Mrs. Inglis’ campaign. Dr. Butcher, headmaster, had also sent good wishes. A number of those present brought forward a few points ot general opinion of tho school, and Miss Godber, member of the school staff, who is at present visiting parents in this area, gave a general outline of tlio work and its development. There were on view excellent cane baskets and samples of other crafts taught by correspondence, also tho uniform adopted. There was general discussion, following which it was unanimously agreed to form a branch in Palmerston North on the motion of Messrs Scott and Swensson, of Longburn, Mrs. W. H. Donovan, ot Halcombe, being elected president and Mr. H. Scott, committee member, further appointments to be made. Branches have already been formed at Dannevirke and Pahiatua. Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Jackson (Brunswick, Wanganui) and Mrs. Hodder (Taihapej were present to cooperate with Palmerston North until their own branches were formed. Others present were Mesdames Blundell and Masters (Palmerston North), Brooking, Evans, Viles and Linklater (Ashhurst), Hutchinson (Aokautere), Ritchie (Feilding), Harrison and Thompson (Brunswick), Donovan (Halcorabe), Mr. and Mrs. Swensson, Messrs Gif kin and Scott (Longourn). Mrs. Inglis, who had the assistance of her daughter, Miss Helen Inglis, and son, Mr. J. Inglis, later entertained the company at afternoon tea. Messrs Scott and Swensson conveyed thanks to Mrs. Inglis for her interest and help.