The High School Problem

Southland Times, Issue 19116, 5 August 1903, Page 2

The High School Problem

By Telegraph. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 4. Noticing from a recent issue of the Southland Times that the High Schools Hoard was in dimculties ana proposed approaching the Government for £7000 lor the purpose of building a separate school for girls, I made enquiries n.totha chances of the money being granted. Tne Premier says that the vote for secondary schools will be increased, but the uimount for each district has not yet been decided. Ho has been telling other. places that a liberal subsidy would be granted In regard to tho Southland Board's claim he says that the amount asked for is very large and would put up a building much too large for tho requirements of the district for many years. Air Seddon thinks it might be better to proceed on a plan and build the school by stages as required. Air Itanan agrees with every word of your leaderette, but he thinks the Board has little chance of getting £7000. Their best plan, he says, is to submit a definite scheme to the Government, showing site and plan of building, with tho cost of each. A modified and detailed application for assistance would be a belter method of approaching the Goveriimcnt than a request for a lump sum of £7' too. Similar applications aro beimr made from several districts, olid lllvercar^il! can hardly hopo to receiia so largo a share-. Air J. C. Thomson also agrees that the Bon<rd has chosen tho best way out of the difficulty, and considers that the Government should make tlie grant required. He. points out that the State has revenue-producing reserves of the value "of £1,300,000, and tho income from these is increasing as the years go on. Free secondary education has come to stay, and adequate accommodation should bo provided at once.