SCHOOL STATIONERY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16870, 27 October 1925, Page 10

SCHOOL STATIONERY.

MINISTER PROPOSES IT SHOULD BE FREE. (Special to the Herald.) AUCKLAND, this day. “The State should provide free stationery, such as pads and 1 notebooks used by children in schools,” said the Minister of Education, Sir James Pair, last night. The supplying of these books, he said, would ‘not- amount to a very large Sum a year. “I brought the matter before Cabinet this year, and it was not- unfavorable to the proposal,” the Minister continued. “I propose to ask Cabinet to place a- sum on the Estimates that will provide free stationery.” In discussing the introduction of free text books into the schools, Sir James Parr said it had been tried’ some years ago, but had! been found to be a failure. The free book system meant that one book would have to last two or three years. After one- child had used a hook ft would be passed! on to the next child, who would have a soiled, worn book. When the system Wna in vogue in 1909 parents and children did not favor it. Each child desired! to Imvfe a brand new I look which lie desired lo call liis own. Children Eoon impressed this on their .parents, and tile system was dropped.