INGLEWOOD SCHOOL MATTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1933, Page 2

INGLEWOOD SCHOOL MATTERS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l wish to commend the stand taken by the Inglewood School Committee which through its able chairman, Mr. A. Grant, at the meeting on Saturday afternoon nobly stood steadfast to the practically unanimous decision of town and country parents in favour of the establishment of a district High School in Inglewood, and not a Junior High School, or as Mr. Valentine, of the Taranaki Education Board, terms the latter, “an intermediate school.” I note that the country school committee chairmen did not favour this Intermediate School, and rightly so, for it would immediately reduce the now two teacher schools to sole charge schools, and so reduce the primary school efficiency. I am rather surprised and disappointed with the Norfolk District people in disapproving of the scheme. They happen to be en route to Stratford, and so their children can easily avail themselves of free train transport to the Stratford High School, but what of the other districts not so situated. I am afraid Norfolk has ceased “to be kind.” Even were a satisfactory bus service from Inglewood resuscitated for the country children not en route, ways and means of getting to and from the starting point would have to be found. But even if this could be done I am afraid through force of circumstances to-day parents have not that necessary bus fare at their disposal, and so their children are debarred from the extra education so badly needed. In these days of hurry-scurry a child’s life at primary school is far too hurried, and I am perfectly certain that children to-day who are rushed through the standards and gain their proficiency certificates at 12 years do not assimilate and retain their knowledge. It is only superficial brilliance, and therefore it is absolutely essential that these children should go on with their studies for at least two more years, making them then only 14 years—quite young enough to cope with life’s battles and problems —when they leave school. It is strange but nevertheless true that in every project one finds one section of a community antagonistic; or shall I say ever ready to retard progress, whereas had unanimity prevailed achievement would probably have been attained for the betterment of the majority. I am reminded of the “creed” adhered to by the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, part of which reads, “Let us be large in thought, in order, in deed,” and lastly, “Let us not forget to be kind,” and I cannot help applying them to the actions of the Inglewood School Committee. Although the train service suits the Inglewood committee to a point, yet is the committee kind, thoughtful and considerate to those already-attend-ing country children who are making the extra effort, even though the long day . is detrimental to their health. For Inglewood children attending the Stratford High School some eleven hours’ absence from home is entailed, while for those in the country the position is infinitely worse. Hence the battle for the establishment of a District High School in Inglewood.—l am, etc., ■ ~ COUNTRY PARENT. Feb. 9, 1933.