COUNTRY SCHOOLS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 245, 15 October 1937, Page 6

COUNTRY SCHOOLS

CONSOLIDATION POLICY EDUCATION BOARD SECRETARY EXPLAINS PROPOSALS MEETING AT PALMERSTON The benefits available to country school children by the policy of consolidation being carried out by th-. Wanganui Education Board were dealt with by the secretary, Mr G. N. Boulton, when addressing the parents of the Whakarongo (Palmerston North) district on Wednesday evening. Possibly, said Mr Boulton, in explaining the consolidation movement, some would ask why the present system was being altered. He could answer that by saying that the ola tallow candle and the old buggy were good enough fifty years ago, but not to-day. Since those days the work! had progressed, and education must keep pace with this advance, n. would be found in 90 per cent, of the country districts that the little school was’probably the only remaining relic of by-gone days. Other things had been replaced by modern amenities. Fifty years ago, continued Mr Boulton, it was necessary to take the school to the children, but now it was possible to take the children to the school. Some of the parents might be suspicious that consolidation was one of the fads of starch-collar experts sitting in education offices. He could disillusion them. It was not a fad, but represented progress and was well beyond the experimental stage. Fifteen years ago at least it had been started in New Zealand, and now about 200 consolidated schemes were in operation. It was solidly supported by public opinion, and the Wanganui board had decided to start the movement in its area two years ago. Ample information was available to justify the benefits which had attended consolidation in other parts of New Zealand, and where it was in operation the very suggestion of returning to the one-teacher school aroused indignation. Though it was as perfect as it could be made, the consolidation scheme admittedly had its disadvantages, but they were of a minor nature, such as the longer distance children might have to travel to school in some cases, and were far outweighed by other considerations. Specific advantages claimed for the scheme, said Mr Boulton, were that the children gained socially and developed better and more rapidly through their association with larger groups; that greater opportunities

were provided for organised sports and learning the team spirit; that (here was a greater competitive spirit in work among a large number of children; that improved scholastic facilities were provided owing to the greater individual attention teachers could give class divisions; and that, in general, in the larger schools, there were more qualified and specialist teachers, besides improved equipment available. Children travelling to school by bus were safer than on the open road, were under constant supervision, and were kept dry in the winter months.