PUKEMIRO’S WANTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17992, 10 April 1930, Page 6

PUKEMIRO’S WANTS.

MINISTER AMONG MINERS. FIRST TO VISIT DISTRICT. ! VARIOUS REQUESTS MADE. > (Special Reporter. 1 ) For the first time in the history of the mining township of Pukemiro, a Minister of the Crown listened to the educational requirements of the district yesterday. After journeying the long distance from Huntly via Rotowaro on a rough clay road made slippery by the recent rain the Minister of Education (Hon. H. Atmore) was not surprised to find that, one of the requests of the local school committee was a desire for better afccess to the town. Tlie Minister, who was accompanied by Mr W. Lee Martin M.P., for the district Mr F. Lye, M.P”. and Mr A. Burns, chairman of the Auckland Education Board, was welcomed by Mr A. Webster, chairman of the committee, and Mr J. A. Kelly, the headmaster. A warm tribute to the splendid work of the committee for effecting a transformation scene to the school grounds was paid by Mr Burns. Relief on Main Road. Mr Webster said no reply had been received from the Department as to whether relief would be offered on the main road (winch required metalling) between Glen Afton and Pukemiro. The Minister said he could well imagine what the road must be like in winter and would make strong recommendations to the Minister of Public Works. Dental treatment for the Pukemiro children was also a matter urged on the Minister. It was stated that the nearest dental clinic was at Huntly and there was no service to PukemiroMr Atmore agreed that the residents were suffering a hardship and injustice and he promised to consist with the Minister of Health with the object of providing relief. It was the ultimate aim of the Government, irrespective of sect, creed or school, for all children to have dental clinic treatment. A big effort to provide sufficient trained nurses was being made by the Government. The Pukemiro School had. for some •time suffered from the effects of changes in teachers Mr Webster remarked. At present a substitute assistant teacher was in charge of Standards 1 and 2 and it .was desirable to have instead a more, or less permanent teacher who would not leave for a better position every few months. He though the teacher should stay at least 12 months. Signal Event For District. Replying, the Minister considered the teachers should stay at least 12 months but certain circumstances, such as death, marriage or retirement, were beyond their control. These circumstances often made the vacancies which had been referred to. He promised to have the matter looked into. Mr Webster tendered the thanks of the committee and himself for the visit of the Minister, which was a signal event for the district and for the atientative hearing he had given, the deputation.' Mr Burns pointed out that if a stipulation were made that substitute teachers must remain at least 12 months at a school there would be none available at all, as they would all seek permanent positions. It was indeed a difficult problem. After the Minister had addressed the children and‘asked for a holiday to mark his visit three hearty cheers were called for the (Minister, the M’s.P. with the party and Mr Burns, STOP AT ROTOWARO. CHEERS FOR MINISTER. On the way to Pukemiro. from Huntly yesterday afternoon, the Minister of Education stopped at Rotowaro and w'as entertained to afternoon tea by the wives of members of the 'School Committee. Mr Atmore w'as the first Minister to visit the little mining settlement. There are 110 names on the school roll. After a formal welcome had been extended by Mr J. Mottram, committee chairman, and Mr T. Rogers, headmaster, the Minister spoke to the children on tihe ideal of service and the importance of a practical education. Although they were isolated compared with other school children, he said, they could rest assured that they w'ere not forgotten. Mr W. Lee Martin, M.P., also spoke and led the school in raising three lusty cheers for the Minister.