GRANTS TO SCHOOLS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 428, 20 November 1930, Page 6

GRANTS TO SCHOOLS

A BOARD'S CRITICISM POLITICAL INFLUENCE ALLEGED URGENT WORKS IGNORED A debate at yesterday’s meeting of the Wanganui Education Board adopted a condemnatory tone towards the effect of alleged political influence on the issue of monetary grants for remodelling school buildings. A Departmental grant to Gonville was cited as having superceded more important works in other parts of the Board’s district, bccapse the committee had been able to wield political influence.

Alattcrs came to a head when tho agenda for yesterday ’s meeting disclosed applications from some Palmerston North and district schools for additional accommodation. “ I ha\ e been listening very intent I; to this discussion about applicationfor additions to school buildings. ’’ said Mr J. K. Hornblow (Foxton). He drew tho Board’s attention to conditions at Uroua Downs where the rain <1 rove in to a shelter shed which had to be used as a class room. Chalk on the blackboard had been washed off, the teacher’s silk stockings were wet through. That was urgent work and he had drawn attention to it- He also quoted Baincsse, where he said remodelling was essential. “This is a list of urgent works approved by this Board,” he continued, exhibiting a piece of foolscap. “We have been battling away for these to be done in order of urgency, yet certain committees cun go to the Afinistcr, through the member for the district, and get grants. This Board is ignored and will continue to be ignored unless we stop this political intluencc. 1 am surprised to find that Gouviilc has a grant for partial remodelling of a big brick building which is not high up ou our list. It is most strange that this work has been authorised wUcn we have been battling and battling for these other schools and can’t get a cent. 1 don t blame the Gonville people. Good luck to them if they can get it, but when this Board has been fighting hard to get certain work done is it a fair thing that people can go to the Minuter and override the Board.’ It is tim* we protested. The Board is nothing less than a glorified committee.” The chairman (Mr W- A. Collins, Wanganui), said that the Gonville matter had been put before him, but, because ’of the list of urgent works ia hand, he had not agreed to it. “There are cases more urgent than Gonville,” said Mr J. S. Tingcy (I’cilding). “Orouu Downs is a disgrace. It is almost a scandal that children arc being educated in the wind and rain and Gonville, being in a city, is able to get a grant. It is quite evident that it has received partial treatment from the Department.” The secretary made it clear that Gonvillc had been on the list of works to be done, but the first application for Oroua Downs was now before the Board. The attendance at that school had gone up suddenly. Air Tingey: But that docs not alter my point that schools should not be preferentially treated. Later in the meeting a letter from the Department was read, refusing to pay a subsidy of £8 ],3s in respect of work done at Rongotca until after March 31 next. The chairman: They can give Gon villc a grant but they can't find £8 for this. The Board decided to press the, claims for Oroua Downs and other schools listed as urgent and the chairman was directed to go further into matters with the Minister.