SCHOOL COMMITTEES' ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 198, 10 May 1918, Page 8

SCHOOL COMMITTEES' ASSOCIATION

ANNTTAL REPORT OF EXECUTITE. In the course of its annual report, (ho executive of the Wellington' School Comliiil.teV Association states »that the subject, of cleansing public schools has been a matter of considerable moment to the association. The uncleaned schoolroom provides an ideal medium for the spread of infections diseases. Committees generally have expressed tlio view that the capitation allowance is net sufhV.ent to enable schools to bo cleaned as they should be cleaned, and in order to provide some working hLj'i ■> special committee was set up to prepare a standard, cleaning scheduia. Tha nieiuiwrs of this committee went very carefully Into the matter, and, after consulting with tho District Health Officer owl cry corporation officials, draw up a comprehensive schedule smMyiuj: only what was considered to be the minimum amount of cleaning required to provide hygienic surroundings for tho children. With this basis to ivork upon, the association, in conjunction vyifce others interested, felt justified in Reproaching tho Government for an increusoa allowance, and it is pleasing to mite that a sum of .£9OOO was voted last session to assist committees. Although the additional amount provided may not bo sufficient to carry out the whole of the items suggested in tho schedule, it mußt bo regarded as a derided improvement, and no doubt upon the termination of the war, and when the calls upon State revenues become normal, the Government may see its way clear to continue—if not to increase—the amount to enable this and other services to bo more effectively carried out. On the subject of school libraries the report states:—During the year the excellent system inaugurated by the City Council Jot the free supply of speciallyselected books for schopl libraries has been largely availed of, and has proved of considerable advantage to school children. The thanks of tho association aro duo to tho council for this service. The association highly commends the council's system to all school committees who have not ao far taken advantage of the opportunity.