FREE TEXT-BOOKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22346, 18 February 1936, Page 10

FREE TEXT-BOOKS

POST-PKIMARY PUPILS DEQJSION OF MINISTER SUPPLYING NECESSITOUS CASES Advice that the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, had decided to reinstate the system of making available free text-books for full-time postprimary school pupils in necessitous cases was received from the actingDirector of Education, Mr. W. S. Latrobe, in a letter read at a meeting of the board of managers of the Seddon Memorial Technical College yesterday. If parents wished to take advantage of the provision, they should apply to the principals of schools, who should make due inquiry into the circumstances of parents or guardians, and report to the board of the school, the letter said. If the board approved, free text-books might be supplied and claims for a refund made to the department. When a pupil had no further need for a book supplied by the Government, it was to be handed back to the school. The free supply referred only to text-books, and not to stationery.

In reply to questions by board members, the principal, Mr. G. J. Park, explained that there was no stigma attaching to the free supply of books to pupils. The books were supplied privately, and were not marked to indicate that they were school property. "As a matter of fact, this board has always seen to it that no child has been penalised in getting education here as a result of shortage of cash," said the chairman, Mr. J. A. C. Allum. Mr. S. Vella said he very much appreciated the action the new Government had taken. He knew many cases where it had been most difficult for parents to find even small amounts in connection Avith the education of their children. The present move was one in the right direction, and the board should show its appreciation.

A suitable reply will be sent to the Government.