The Waipukurau Press. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1933. HELP THE SCHOOL ROLL

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 61, 6 March 1933, Page 4

The Waipukurau Press. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1933. HELP THE SCHOOL ROLL

It is a surprising fact that but few among a considerable number of local parents directly interested in the provision have seen fit to avail themselves of the advantage offered by the permissive right to send children who may attain the age of six years during a current term to school at any time after the commencement of the period. There wAs a “hue and cry” throughout the Dominion, and Waipukurau shared in the demonstration, against the injustice done to young scholars, their parents, and the schools, by the economy measure which raised the age of enrolment to six years. The parents concerned would be well advised to take special note of the comment made at the recent monthly meeting of the Waipukurau District High School Committee as to.the possible effect of their indifference in this connection upon the .grading and consequent staffing position. In view of expected amending legislation which may be brought before the House of Representatives at any moment, it is desirable that children bordering upon the six year-old mark should attend the school and be ready for immediate enrolment.

BOROUGH .POLITICS " On the .subject of borough political activities the “Wairarapa Daily Times” has expressed sentiments which may well be noted by municipal electors in Waipukurau. “A contest in local politics is always good in that it stirs up interest and compels more than usual notice to be taken of the affairs of a borough or county. The day of “tickets" on the lines of those connected with general politics should no longer exist. The persons chiefly concerned in local politics are the ratepayers, as they have to “foot the bill.” In some quarters it is argued that only ratepayers should have a vote, but we have extended the franchise to include every resident in a borough coming within wide qualifications. In Masterton all sections of the community are represented on our councils, the principal representation being, of course, the business community and the ratepayers. Our Councils have, generally, dealt fairly with the citizens in the matter of carrying out borough work within the scope of thei# finances. Our present Council has performed its duties well, and generally in a harmonious spirit. There is no room on any Council for men who are not prepared to pull their whole weight for the general benefit of a community, and who will not respect the views of their fellowcouncillors. At the present time there is need for continued careful finance in the Masterton Borough Council, and the ratepayers should closely scrutinise the qualifications of candidates who may come forward at the next election.” It is noteworthy in connection with the voting qualification that there are many residential electors who by virtue of their civic activities and rental payment are playing the part of firstclass citizens.