Country Schools.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 267, 15 May 1895, Page 2

Country Schools.

The settlers at Rangiwahia consider they are unfairly treated by the Wanganui Education Board in respect of a school. There is a school at Pemberton, two miles south, but, the roads being so bad, the settlers north ol Rangiwahia claim the greater number of children would be benefited were the school situated in the township. Application to this effect was made to the Education Board, who would not accede to tbe request. When it was found tbe school in question would not be removed, the settlers erected a a school at Beet Creek, three miles south of Pemberton at their own expense, and are also paying the teacher. 1 hose interested in the establishment of a school at Rangiwahia intend to write to the Education Board asking permission to erect a school on the reserve at their own cost. It is claimed this school would be attended by at least thirty children, about twenty of whom would be within half a mile. With the trouble north and south the Pemberton school is now practically boycotted as will be seen from the following figures : —

Ihe average attendance for the week ended May 4th, was 126, and last week it was less (about. 11). The | highest attendance was 41 in June, 1 1894 (on four occasions). The contention ot those opposing the removal of the school from Pemberton is that children from Curl's clearing would be deprived of a school; Between the contending parties tbe attendance has fallen off and the teacher's salary has been reduced in proportion to a starving rate.

Average Quarter ending Roll No. attendance March 31, 1894 ... 42 3135 June 30, 1894 ... 42 31-64 Sept. 30, 1894 ... 33 17-62 Dec. 31,1894 ... 44 27-28 March 31st, 1895... 20 15.50