OVERCROWDED CLASS-ROOMS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 310, 19 September 1918, Page 6

OVERCROWDED CLASS-ROOMS

DEMAND FOR COMMON-SENSE ADMINISTRATION.

At yesterday's meeting of the Wellington Education Board it was reported that the board's application for a grant for the extension of the Karon School had been declined on tlio ground that the standard air measurement per scholar had not so far been exceeded. Mr. 11, A. Wright, M.P., made a vigorous protest against the method of estimating an air measurement. While soino classes might not be up to the standard, there were others where it was exceeded, but instead of taking the case room by room they averaged the school, and finding that it did nod exceed the standard air measurement over the total number of scholars, declined the grant. He thought that the method was all wrong. Tho i chairman: There should be some common sense exercised. Mr. Wright said that the remedy was a considerably increased grant for education. Mr. 11. M'Callum, M.P., said that the spirit of Parliament when the Act. was passed certainly intended that tbe provision should be interpreted broadly. "I don't suppose," said Mr. M'Callum, "tint there are more than eight members of the House who'take a live interest in education!" He referred to Mr. AVright as one of thoso who hart been actively interested in the subject. \ Mr. Wright'pointed out that a private member of Paarliament could do nothing effectively on a measure involving ft Departmental vote. He could not oven move a motion. " Finally it was resolved to refer tme matter of a arnnt for the extension of the Karori School back to the Department for reconsideration.