CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15318, 20 August 1923, Page 6

CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS

INSTRUCTIVE ADDRESS,

A very instructive address was given on Friday evening in the To Awamutu High School by Mr 11. A. Parkinson, M.A., secretary of the New Zealand Educational Institute, the subject being "The Consolidation of Schools.' Mr C. F. Baltson, chairman of the local school committee, presided over a fair attendance, and briefly introduced the speaker. Mr Parkinson dealt with the general idea of consolidation, referring to Mr llogben's report to the then Minister of Education many years ago. The prosent Minister for Education made a very important statement on the subject two days ago, but there was still much to be done. One of the main arguments used against the idea was on account, of the travelling, but in most cases travelling to schools per motor lorries would be a great deal easier than by the present methods. The great improvements in the roads, of course, was one of the greatest helps to the scheme; but, of course, the main plank of the scheme is that every child would get equal educational facilities, whether they belonged to the country or lived in the town. The centralisation also helped with the regularity of attendance, while the additional expense that it was supposed to entail was shown fo be a myth, both maintenance and staffing charges being much reduced. The consolidation school had proved itself in America and Canada, where it had become the main centre of the locality. It stood to reason that the children, both forward and backward ones, would receive a far better chance under the centralisation scheme, the country children especially reaping the great advantages of attending a large school with the best advantages of education. Mr Parkinson, in conclusion, said that two questions obtruded themselves: '•' Is it worth while?" and "Will the children benefit?" In each case the answer was " Yes." He instanced Levin, where il char-a-bancs daily collect the children over a radius of several miles, nine of which are actually driven by teachers (including two ladies).

Mr G. Spinley, after apologising for the absence of the Mayor; congratulated Mr Parkinson on his very instructive address, and mentioned that nowadays it should work in well with the rural mail services, and asked the speaker to visit the out-districts to explain the scheme. Mr Parkinson regretted that he had not the opportunity to do it now, but suggested that they should get someone from Auckland, such as Mr T. U. Wells.

The headmaster, Mr Spencely Walker, announced that he was already in communication with Mr Wells. Mr G. S. Clarke suggested a start with one school as a trial; but Mr Parkinson considered that at least three or four school districts would have to join in before they would be accepted by the Board. On the motion of the chairman a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Parkinson for his excellent address was carried by acclamation.