CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17180, 25 October 1923, Page 2

CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS.

(Special to the " Star.**) ASHBURTON, October 24. The Hon C. J. Parr, when returning northwards, was interviewed at Hinds by Mr W. T. Lill, chairman of the Ashburton County Council, who asked for centralisation affecting eight schools at Longbeach, an area ten miles wide, extending from Ashburton to Hindis. Mr Lill said that six of these schools had a roll number of under twenty, and the other two forty each. The two larger ones were Eiffel ton and Willowby. He suggested two central schools. Willowby being one. Mr Lill explained that he was not directly authorised by the parents to make the request. Centralisation would necessitate enlargement of trainings. Mr Parr replied that he agreed fully with Mr Lill regarding the advantage of centralisation, much better education fjeing obtainable. It was a question of finance depending on the oos't of conveying puoils, also whether it was worth while to close several schools and spend money on enlarging others. He would consult the Canterbury Board as to the suitability of the Longbeach district for an experiment in consolidation. He already was considering several Canterbury localities, and had agreed to one in the North Island. Mr Parr added, “ I am anxious not to push the scheme against the wish of the parents. They must discover the benefits of centralisation gradually.” ,