HON. C. J. PARR AT QUEENSTOWN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3494, 22 February 1921, Page 52

HON. C. J. PARR AT QUEENSTOWN.

ED U CAT lON A L M ATTE RS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) QUEENSTOWN, February 18. The Hon. C. J. Parr was waited on last night by a deputation from the local school committee, chiefly with the object of advancing a claim for the establishment of a district high school in Queenstown. The Minister recognised the disadvantages at which the district was placed in the matter of secondary education, and was of opinion that Queenstown, being the centre of a large school area, was most suitable geographically for a high school. He stated the conditions governing the establishment and the number of pupils to be guaranteed. Provided a promise was given in writing of this number, with a margin of live, the request would be acceded to. The Minister outlined a scheme which his department hoped to put in operation next year. Briefly, this was tlie cutting down of elementary schooling by one standard, educating in die primary school to the Fifth Standard, which would be reached about 12J> years of age; then beginning a new threeyear period covering education up to an Eighth Standard or grade. This tuition would bo given either in a high or central school. It was considered such a scheme would largely meet the needs of country children, where guarantees for the establishment of high schools could not be given. Queenstown was clearly indicated as a central school for Wakatipu. The Minister yesterday visited the Pembroke, Cardrona, Arrowtown, and Queenstown Schools. At the first-named a request was made for an alteration of the school site. Mr Parr also visited the Lake County Hospital.