REIKORANGI SCHOOL.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 832, 30 July 1910, Page 10

REIKORANGI SCHOOL.

Sir,—T often sec you quoting through your valuable paper Mr. Dineen, truant inspector, and the way he falls on parents for not sending children to school. Now, sir, does it ever strike the truant inspector that children's health is a parent's first consideration, and education is only a second, or does he erareport on. tiio state of a school- which he must see, during his travelling round? Perhaps that is not a part of his duties, as it is evident that the Education Board considers health a secondary consideration. Now, Mr. Editor, there is no doubt that your readers may think there is no room for growling in. this respect, but I wish, to show you that there is. First, somo two years ago it was decided to bring the condemned school from Wnikanne and add it to the Reikorangi school, which was at that time considered too small. However, that was altered and neither this third-class school nor any addition have we got. I am in a position to say that it is not funds that are tho cause, as at the last school committee meeting the Education Board's letter stated that there was nothing at present to warrant tho addition.

Now, Mr. Editor, hero is what parents complain of. The school is only 32ft. by 15ft., inside measurement. The attendance last week was -Ifi. Some children under seven, coming from a distance of over two miles,, get no fire as tho fire-place is cut off from view by a curtain. Both doors are on the south side, so when it blows and the door is opened it nearly lifts the children out of the desks. Anybody who was at the concert the other night knows that my statement is correct. Now, sir, out of this large space of 32ft. by 15ft. for 16 pupils, has to bo taken room for tho piano, bookcases, tables for the two teachers, etc. Your readers can judge how impossible it must bo for the teachers to do justice to _ the children. All I can say in conclusion is that it is a pity that some of tho Education Board's members are not teachers here, or have their children going to the school. If they were we would see whether tho Reikorangi School warranted the addition or not. I guess if anybody goes into the hoard's office during their meeting they .will find it nice and cosy without draughts, etc. In conclusion, as a parent, I don't intend to send my children to a place called a school which is no better than a draughty tunnel. Trusting I have not taken too much of your valuable space,—l am, etc.,