FREE SCHOOL BOOKS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12255, 1 July 1909, Page 2

FREE SCHOOL BOOKS.

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, June 30

The question of free school books again came before the Auckland Education Board to-day. A letter was received from the Otago Education Board stating that the following resolution had been carried :—" That further inquiry having clearly established the fact that the grant made by the Department for the purpose of providing free school books is insufficient to meet reasonable requirements, this Board resolves to inform the Minister that unless conditions be modified it cannot take advantage of the offer."

A letter was also received from the Inspector-General of Schools (Mr G. Hogben), referring to the request that the condition attached to the payment of the grant for free school books should, be waived. This condition, Mr Hogben stated, was made known by circular on October 16th, and non-com-pliance with it meant the withholding of the grant by the Department. The Chairman (Mr Parr) stated that he Mas hoping that they would still be able to get the grant, and make it go as far as possible. The difficulty was that in accepting the grant they had to certify that pupils had not been asked to provide any other books. The grant of £300 or £400 for the whole district had to provide all the books required.

Mr Purdie: That is nonsense. Mr Parr: Yes, it is out of the question, as another text book is necessary. All we can do is to make the grant go as far as it will, and join with the Otago Board in asking that the condition in question should be wiped out. The grant only applies to two of the lower standards, where few books are required, but the amount is not nearly large enough for the purpose. After further discussion on the subject it was decided to wait upoii the Minister for Education when he arrives in Auckland and explain the position taken up by the Board.