HIGH SCHOOL FOR ELTHAM

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1934, Page 4

HIGH SCHOOL FOR ELTHAM

In deciding to hold a conference with all parties interested in the proposal to establish a high school at Eltham the Taranaki Education Board has taken the wise course. The reasons in support of a local high school have been put forward with temperateness by residents of the Eltham district, and it is generally admitted that for pupils to be obliged to travel long distances to school adds a good deal to the strain of work and may interfere with their proper share of recreation at school. On the other hand, it is obvious that better equipment and staffing are obtainable in the larger secondary schools, and for this reason there is much.force in the argument that the advantages of attending a larger school outweigh the disadvantages of a long journey, even though part of it is by train at no cost to the pupils. It is satisfactory to note that the request for a school at Eltham is not based on any parochial grounds. It is what is best for the pupils that must be the deciding factor, and so long as this is recognised by all parties to the conference the outcome of the discusson should be generally welcome. The representatives of the Education Board, Messrs. Valentine and Griffin, are well qualified to advise the board and those who are desirous of seeing a high school established at Eltham. They know from experience how the needs of the pupils, and especially pupils from the country districts, pan be served best,, and they are well aware that public opinion generally is in favour of giving children residing in rural areas educational facilities as satisfactory as those accorded town pupils. Whatever may be the outcome of the conference, It is all to the good of the community that in any district there should be displayed such a sincere interest in secondary education.