SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Waipawa Mail, Volume LXVI, Issue 88, 22 April 1938, Page 3

SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

ASHLEY CLINTON AND MAKARETU DIVIDED OPINION. NAPIER, This day. At the last meeting of the Education Board a report was submitted by the secretary that a meeting had been held at Ashley Clinton and a proposal to consolidate with Makaletu had been adopted. Apparently the decision was not unanimous, for at to-day’s meeting petitions were received from residents at both Ashley Clinton and Makaretu on the subject. That from Ashley Clinton, signed by 14 householders, protested against the proposed Sherwood site for the consolidated school on the grounds that the road on part of the proposed Inis route is very dangerous; that two *sites are available at Ashley Clinton which will require a shorter bus route; that the proposed site at Sherwood is not central; that there is a likelihood of closer settlement at Ashley Clinton in the near future; that electricity will be in the Ashley Clinton district within six months; that the bus service from Ashley Clinton would be unsatisfactory. Also, that if a ballot is taken in regard to the selection of sites, they demand that every householder have a vote. Residents of Makaretu North forwarded a letter signed by 26 resident- suporting the Board’s proposal to erect a consolidated school on the Sherwood site, and making the following points in favor of this site: — It is equidistant from the present two schools, and is the best situated in order to enable the shortest possible bus route to serve both settlements; the section is large, perfectly level, and dry in all weathers; access is good; drainage is perfect; and a swimming pool is nearby, the only one in the district : ns the site is further removed from the influence of the ranges it is reasonably dry in the winter and misses a large number of mountain shou;ers; it is well situated with a view to further closer settlement. as there is a distinct possibility of several large and valuable holdings beiim subdivided, and this school would cater for such a contingency; while realising that one portion of the bus route is not the best, they do not consider it dangerous; in any case there has only been one accident and that was avoidable; further, the road could be improved. Finally, they have shown that they are ready to sink parochial interests as the Sherwood siie which they approve is four miles distant from the present Makaretu school. The Board decided that voting in the postal ballot be restricted to parents.