TO THE EDITOR

Opotiki News, Volume VII, Issue 802, 3 November 1944, Page 2

TO THE EDITOR

SCHOOL PROPOSALS Sir,—l was very surprised to notice in the recent report of tho Home and School Association meeting that the learners’ swimming pool is placed last on the list of priorities. From other opinions I have heard this priority list has been received with disgust by many parents. For some years now tho need of a swimming pool has been felt and the matter has been before school committees. It was felt that an opportune time to construct the pool was immediately after tho war when the many and varied demands on the call of the public purse would have tapered off. In the past 20 years several children in Opotiki have lost their lives through inability to- swim or swim properly. If the programme set out at the association’s meeting is to be adhered-to it will be jnobably several more years before the swimming pool is- in sight. Is human life taken cheaply and other things given priority that will make little difference to tho education of the children. Some of the equipment items will only- be “white elephants” as the cost oi servicing and upkeep is very great. This has been proved overhand over again. Why go in for something! that will only have to be altered in a year or two when the main school is remodelled '( Again, what has become of the scheme to install central heating at the prim- " ary school ‘l Where is the money already contributed and why is it . that the public has heard nothing further of the matter P Surely this is another point that is .far more important than some of the priority items listed'? I feel that the whole list was rushed through without due thought and would suggest that parents of the school-children be asked to vote on the list set out. I do not doubt for a moment which item will bo on top. The next thing that will be wanted will be a television set and this may be far - more important than some other things. From what has taken place to date the opinion is being formed by the public that tho Home and School Association is being dominated by the teacher element. LIFE FIRST.