“PURGATORIAL” WALK

Evening Star, Issue 21751, 20 June 1934, Page 12

“PURGATORIAL” WALK

CHILDREN AT UPPER WAITATI ELEVEN-HOUR SCHOOL DAY Even in these days of modern education and swift travel, incidents are brought to light of the tasks set children in obtaining their education. The trials undergone by small children of Upper Waitati were related to the meeting of the Education Board to-day by the chairman (Mr James Wallace), who said that the youngsters had to leave home at 7 o’clock in the morning and did not return till 6 at night. On the rough metal on the long, steep hill, the walk must be purgatory to the little children. The Chairman and Mr Cameron reported having met some of the residents. The establishment of a new school was not recommended. Conveyance to Waitati was not possible at present, as the creeks were not always passable. The committee recommended therefore that the present Leith Valley service to the saddle be extended to say half the distance to the homes furthest away, the present contractor to be asked for the cost of this extension until the end of the contract m September, when alternative tenders are to be invited both to the saddle and to this point. ' The report was adopted.