THE WAI-ITI SCHOOL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 30 November 1938, Page 11

THE WAI-ITI SCHOOL

I lo I he Editor . was very amused to read a lett< 1, sillied “Due of the Die Hards” which appeared in last night’s “Mail.” It truly is a confirmation of "Broad Minded Mother's” summing up of the “Die Hards” when she stated “because they want their children to grow up selfish and petty.” And, Mr Editor, may I add “like some of the parents, maybe.” I felt sure “8.M.M.” really wished to add those few woids. I am uot being personal. I am going to sign my name to this letter so if any one is hurt, they are at liberty to have a “pop” at me. We have had two meetings in Wai-iti and at each have obtained a majority in favour of “i ousolidatiou” yet the “Die Hards” arc terrible losers. They have not yet put up one single point where the children s moral or educational standing can be bettered by keeping the Wai-iti school open, and after all, it is the children s future we are concerned about. I ha\e read “Die Hard’s” letter several times and yet cannot find one point in favour of keeping the school open. i’lease allow me a little space on this “topic,” because really it is not a joke, a a underlying it, there is such a tragedy, namely, the future our little ones. I lia\e two little oues and I want the best for them, and 1 am eager to share that best with the other children of Wai-iti, and the best can only be obtained in the larger schools. “Due of the Die Hards” ha.' praised t he appearance of. the W ai-iti school. Granted it is good for Wai-iti, but open the other eye and read the words of mi; who kuows schools inside and out. The Hon. Mr Mclntyre classed the Waiili school as SO years behind the times and not fit for a gaol. Vet the “Die Hard” company want our children to att« ml this “dump ’ when a modern school 1 with its beautiful surroundings and I sports facilities is within our reach aud ! to nothing. Sir, we should be on our > knees in tbauks, yet, Mr Editor, we have , a i organised opposition consisting of a petition signed probably by some not wishing to offend someone’s feelings, 1 believe. Will “Die Hard” tell me why children have left the Wai-iti school and cycled—one in particular—right past the Wai-iti school—to Wakefield, a distance daily of about seven miles? Will lie state why oil each end of the Wai-iti area parrots Have sent or are sending their children to a larger school, viz., Foxhill or Wakefield? “Die Hard” is veiy concerned regard in_ the Education Board in its wisdom running a bus to within one mile of Fox hill school. We are not concerned with Foxhill, so 1 need not elaborate on that point, except that Foxhill is capable of doing its best for their children, and is doing it 1 es, a modern school, two teachers and organised spprts. Compare this with Wai-iti. 'lhen again compare Wai-iti with what is obtainable at Wake field. It is true ?hat uot one child or tot !ia> more than one mile to walk to school. Yet, until recently the one child mostly concerned did. Now she is old enough to cycle. 1 mentiou that point, Mr Editor, a i it is typical of the argument on this topic—but why walk or cycle even that In* to connect with the bus . the distance L i he travelled by foot or cycle of every child will be less, in many cases the majority of children will join the bus at the gate. “Die Hard’s” comparison with the Nelson kiddies distance from school is another misfit. I guarantee the majority have footpaths to travel on, and not a

i speedway Lo be on like our children have. I have seen the children from our school, huddled together ou the side of our roads, while a speediter travels past at 60 or 70 m.p.h. In conclusion i want to express my sincere thanks to “Bioad Minded Mother” lor her letter .It is pleasing to have her views on this topic, and I want to assure her that with genuine support like hers, we will attain our object.— I am, etc.. F. V. EVES. Upper Wakefield, 30th November.