A HIGH SCHOOL

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 28 August 1912, Page 5

A HIGH SCHOOL

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir :—ls anything being . done, or can anything be done to secure a high school in Warkworth ? It is a great hardship on country children, that while eligible for a free place in a high school, that the cost of boarding in town should prevent at least some of th^ni from taking the advantage of the boon of further education.

While that to my mind is the greatest reason for the establishment of high schools in every country centre, there are two others. No parent welcomes the idea of the severance involved in having to send forth the youug folk from the home nest at such an early age, Just at the years when home influences should be a leading factor in the moulding of the opening life, the country fathers and mothers have to largely relinquish to others, their control. It would make much difference if the scholars could return home for the week end. The brightest of country children ought to be trained and kept for country life. At present every inducement seems to be heM out to attract them to tho cities. It is not a good sign in a country almost solely dependant upon the varied phases of the farming industry, that the population continues to drift to the towns, so that now the majority of our people are city dwellers. I hope that the need for a high school here, will be oner-c.LiuUy pressed for until it is granted.

Yours etc.,

Parent.