DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS.

Western Star, 26 February 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS.

The suggested revival of District • High Schools and the fostering of Agricultural Education in the various country centres was referred to by Mr J. C. Thomson, M.P., at the meeting of the Southland Education Board on Friday. Mr Thomson said he was pleased to see that Queenstown was forming one. He thought that these District High Schools should be revived. The Board ought to stimulate interest in these very important schools. Riverton had a flourishing one. With regard to agricultural education people had erroneous ideas concerning it. Country children -travelled to and fro receiving instruction on subjects which could not benefit them as well. There was no reason why District High Schools should not do as well here in other parts of New Zealand. The forming of a District High School depended on the numbea - of pupils. Twenty wais ' the required number and twelve the average attendance. Mr Thomson then cited Lumsdien as an ideal agricultural centre, likewise Wintou, Otautau, Riverton and Queenstown. The Board should ascertain the reason why these schools were not popular in the country. Mr G. T. Stevens and Mr Perrelle endorsed Mr Thomson’s remarks. Mr T. Mac Gibbon pointed out the easy travelling facilities compared with Queenstown, which was not the same. He therefore did not see the necessity for these schools., Mr H. Niven said it was better to have one good school than a lot of bad ouete. Mr Stevens said that in districts such as Lumsdeu parents would, not have allowed their children to rise at

six in the mornings and arrive home at 7 at night if there was a District High School. In his opinion too much travelling had. a detrimental effect on children as it was inclined to make them forward.

The chairman (Mr J. Gilchrist) stated the difficulties of establishing these .schools were—(l) the getting of a suitable teacher, and (2) keeping up the attendance.

Mr? Trotter said that centralisation was the great idea—it was far better

to have fewer schools.

The motion was eventually referred to the Executive Committee for report.