COST OF SCHOOL BOOKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1921, Page 4

COST OF SCHOOL BOOKS.

THE BURDEN TO PARENTS. BOARD MAY SELL BOOKS. Tn the course of a report on school books, presented by the senior inspector (Mr. Valentine) to the Taranaki Education Board yesterday, the following recommendation was made in regard to suitable reading for school children: That the school journal be the chief reader in standard classes, and that the teachers teach history as far as possible from notes prepared by themselves. The inspector suggested that the board ask the department for more regularity of issue of the journal, which sometimes was delayed in coming to hand. He also referred to the fact that books costing 4s 3d in New Plymouth were being sold in the backblocks at 5s 9d. Mr. A. Lees was of opinion that the board should endeavor to co-operate with the Teachers’ Institute, from whom he was sure they would receive support in standardising the supply of school books. The chairman (Mr. P. J. White) spoke in favor of standardised books in schools, and said that it was a hardship on parents when the books were continually being changed. The inspector pointed out that the board had a set list of books for use in the various schools, and teachers could not depart from that list, without the consent of the board. Mr. H. Trimble advocated free boofts in schools, and considered that no satisfactory arrangement could be reached in the nrntter of school reading until this was accomplished. A short discussion ensued, after which the following resolution was passed on the motion of Mr. R. Masters, seconded by Mr. R. J. Deare:—“ln view of the heavy cost to parents in purchasing school books a committee, consisting of Messrs Lees, Smith and the mover, be set up to report to next meeting as to the feasability of the board purchasing school books and stationery to be sold to the parents on the lowest possible basis, and if necessary, confer with the Taranaki Educational Institute in regard to the distribution of books.”