NEW EDUCATION BOARD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 88, 14 April 1938, Page 7

NEW EDUCATION BOARD

PALMERSTON NORTH’S CLAIM

WELLINGTON, April 13,

The view that the geographical situation of Palmerston North was so ideal that the creation of an education board in that district was extremely desirable was expressed by the secretary of the Palmerston North High School Board of Governors, Mr L. I. Plimmer, in evidence on the Education Amendment Bill to the Education Committee of the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr Plimmer also submitted tha-. the successful functioning of the High Schools' Board merited its retention as the post-primary governing body in Palmerston North.

“We assert, that the public-spirited service which has been rendered ah our schools and in the cause of education in Palmerston North, and in the fact that, taken on a population basis, it is doubtful if any other cit> possesses a line set of schools as ours, it is only right that the Government should entrust us with the administration of an education board,’ Mr Plimmer said. “Parents’ associations, school committees, old pupils’ associations, and the board have enthusiastically and unstintingly given their services to education until our schools rank among th.?, finest in the Dominion.

“In view of the pride our city has taken in its educational amenities, perhaps we will be excused if we say

we resent the control and future development of education in Palmerston North being entrusted to a sister city. “From a statistical viewpoint it is difficult to see why Palmers:on North has been omitted as an education board centre. Every factor points to its being ideally situated. It is a natural and progressive trading centre, and every indication points to it becoming a large and important commercial centre. It. is interesting to note that in the last ten years th* population of the city has increased by 7000, and is still increasing,” Mr Plimmer said.

On behalf of the Manawatu-Oroua School Committees’ Association. Mr W. G. Black supported the case for the establishment of an education board in Palmerston North.