EDUCATION WEEK

Southland Times, Issue 18929, 1 May 1923, Page 5

EDUCATION WEEK

THE NEED FOR HOSTELS. (By Anna Drennan, M.A., Principal G.H.S.). Can anyone explain why there are no hostels in Invercargill in connection with the Girls’ and Boys’ High Schools ? Is there any other centre in New Zealand, with such a large percentage of country pupils, without a hostel? We have heard much lately of economy, but it does not seem to be economy to prevent country pupils from obtaining the advantages of a secondary education. The Minister of Education, in his recent address at Gore, mentioned that the day had gone by when the possession of an elementary education was sufficient to go through life, and many parents now realised the importance of giving their children the highest and best education obtainable. It was far better to leave a. legacy of sound education to a child than worldly wealth, he considered. The man living in the country was entitled to special consideration in this, respect, and the hostel (at Gore) would serve a useful purpose in enabling his children to receive a useful and proper education. The claims of the country people in this part of Southland have not yet received that special consideration—indeed they seem to have been almost entirely overlooked at Wellington, and I for one fail to see the reason.

Economy? There is money forthcoming for a hostel at Gore where there are approximately 250 pupils (of whom 30-40 probably board). There is money for costly experimenting with Junior High Schools —and Invercargill, which has approximately 600 pupils attending the two High Schools, is offered £6OOO for two hostels! There are between 70 and 80 boarders in town at least, and there would probably be many more had we the hostels. Are the numbers not sufficient to warrant such establishments?

Secondly, it is impossible to expect the very best work from those pupils who have long distances to travel every day by train; many of them have in addition 4,5, or 6 miles to cycle or ride. It is only the very strongest who have the physical strength to endure this week after week. Is there any special consideration shown to these country pupils? Again, the boarders in town are young people away from the home influences at a most impressionable and critical age; it is, therefore, of the utmost importance, for their, physical and moral welfare, that they be under responsible supervision, and how better could this be done than by having them in hostels?

It is an absolute impossibility for either the Rector or myself to see that the school boarders are properly cared for in private houses; in some cases I am afraid they have not the facilities to ensure that their home studies are carried out satisfactorily, and there is too much liberty allowed to some of the young people. I do not for one moment suggest palatial dwellings which necessitate a large staff of servants —very far from that; let the young people have home life; in the case of the girls particularly, let them take their share in the running of the hostel—and let the charges be within the reach of everyone who wishes his children to have advantage of a secondary education. It evidently requires some one of influence to set things going; it is for the country people particularly to find that person who will place their claims before the Education Department. Now is the time to agitate for these hostels, which are long overdue. If after representation has been made and no further money can be voted, then, for the girls at least, I suggest that we take our share of the princely £6OOO, buy a house and start things on a small scale. I haVe not the slightest doubt that thp experience would prove successful and would do some little good until the needs of the district were fully realised and adequate provision made for them by the Education Department.