School Matters.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 818, 19 July 1933, Page 6

School Matters.

Dear Sir, —I think it is time the Canterbury Education Board woke up to the fact that there are improvements wanted at the Richmond School. All they seem to worry over now is intermediate schools. It makes parents wonder what use there is in getting children educated when a headmaster makes the remark that “ the proficiency certificate is a factitious piece of paper.” It looks as though some of the higher examinations are getting inclined that way also. It seems out of place to find an M.A. docking lambs’ tails or driving a tramcar. Who appoints the Canterbury Education Board? Is it the people, or the Government? My reason for asking is that I think if there was a more economical board in charge it would be better for the department and the public. They have not commenced the Shirley school yet, but have a grant for £12.000. Why not spend £6OOO on the present up-to-date school at Shirley and make it large enough for an intermediate school? Then spend the other £6OOO on the Richmond School. There are no railway crossings down there, so it should be no hardship for the primary children to attend the surrounding schools, the same as the West Christchurch children had to do. They might complain for a few weeks, but they would soon get used to the change. I was pleased to see the Ashburton School Committee take the stand it did and tell the board the time had not quite arrived for intermediate schools.—l