GERMANS IN MARTON,

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15198, 19 April 1917, Page 5

GERMANS IN MARTON,

EDUCATION BOARD'S OBJECTION". PROPOSAL TO CLOSE SCHOOL. Some discussion ensued over the Lutheran School at Marton at last night's meeting of the Education Board. Objection was taken by members to free railway passes being issued to children attending the school. Mr F. Pirani, chairman, in answer to a question, said at one time the Board had power to deal with the school, but this power was now vested in the Minibter of Education. If the power had been left in the Education Board's hands the school would not have been recognised. Having been asked to explain the position, Mr T. B. Strong, Chief Inspector, said that about two years ago the .school had been closed on the grounds of inefficiency. Subsequently an efficient teacher had been procured from Australia, an'dthc sepaker had inspected the school and had found that as far as the teaching was concerned it was f-atiefactorily conducted. He had sent his report to the Department, and the result was that the school had been reopened. Free transit by train had been granted to the pupils. He understood that no instruction in German had been given ir. the school. "Who pays the teacher's salary?'' asked a member. ■ Mr Strong replied saying that the expenses in connection with the school •were paid by the Lutheran Church. Continuing, he said that it was a misstatement that Turakina children were going to the school. These particular children went to the Catholic School. Bonny Glen supplied most of the Lutheran pupils. The Chairman: I think I counted 32 one day. Mr Broad: Why is this matter before the Board? The Chairman: I thought it was in the interest of the Board, and therefore I brought it up. Mr Sewell: It's a question of religious scruples. I think we are going too fax. Continuing, he said that it had not been proved that the Germans at that service held in Marton had not been praying for the souls of soldiers after death. Finally it was decided to make repre-ss-ntations to the Department urging the closing of the school and the prohibition of free railway passes to the pupile.