“FREE EDUCATION”

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 115, 13 February 1928, Page 10

“FREE EDUCATION”

Sir—l note the reply by Mr. Irvine, of Clyde Quay School, in reference to mv letter on the above subject. It is very gratifying to know that Air. Irvine recognises me as a judicious spender, and I can assure you. Air. Editor, that there is every reason to be one, taking into consideration that I am a married man with four children with an income of ,£250 a year, out ot which I am forced to pay £2 10s. per week for a four-roomed house. I might add that I have been (for the past few years) in tbe unfortunate position of having had more than my share of doctors’ 7ind hospital bills to face. All that I wish to now comment on is that apparently the "red ink” is only to suit the tastes of an artistic form teacher, and as to the exercise books I might, point out that the youngest child only required one book as against six each for the elder children, which seems more than they would require if they were attending n secondary school. But apart from the quantity of books required is it not possible for the Government Printing Office to supply stationery at cost price to the children through the schools? ALanv thanks. Air. Editor, for publishing mV letter. “For the future m the distance and the good that we may do. -I etc ” " RED jnk.” , Wellington, February 9.

Sir, —Aly sympathy goes out. to your correspondent, "Red Ink,” in the financial disaster which overwhelms him. lie reports that exercises and red ink for his threo young optimists, have cost

him a pound sterling. ... If tho exercise books and ink become the means through which the young IleTl Inks shall acquire clarity of thought, and a nicety of expression not to be found in a certain letter published in to-day’s Dominion, that pound has been well spent. "is “pocket.” the god to bo worshipped? Is '“pocket” the be-all and end-all of what “Red Ink” (wrongly) calls “the educational system”? If “Red Ink” takes a week off to think over tho system of public education in the Dominion. the fact following will stare him in the face: Of every hundred pounds of public revenue expended by the Department of Education in schooling “Red Ink’s” Children, seven pounds are taken from his Catholic fellow citizens, without their consent. As well as witnessing “Rod Ink’s” lugubrious enjoyment of that seven pounds of the money, the Catholics must, for reasons of conscience, dip further into their pockets to build their own schools, pay their teachers, and purchase all reouisites—yes, even down to “rod ink at 4d. a bottle." TVhen you come to think of it. “Red Ink” is on a pretty good wicket —if “nocket” Is the god to he considered’Tis to be hoped that his children do not realise tho rank injustice of the position. If they do, how they must laugh in their sleeves nt the axioms of natural justice and honour which, even in secular instruction, are not omitted! —I am, etc., SPAR UP. Wellington, February 9.