FREE SCHOOL BOOKS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2371, 11 December 1908, Page 5

FREE SCHOOL BOOKS.

STATEMENT BY THE AIINISTER FOR EDUCATION.

[Press Association.] AVELLINGTON, Dec. 10, The Hon. G. Fowlds,, Alinister for Education, made a statement to-day concerning the series of resolutions passed by the Christchurch and other Education Boards on the question of free school books and the alleged inadequacy of the grant promised by the Department for the purpose. “It is quite clear,” said Air Fowlds, “from the attitude taken up by some Boards that they are antagonistic to the idea of supplying school books free to children at all. An estimate was made of the amount required for the purpose of free school hooks, and an amount was appropriated. It was made up after very careful inquiry as to the books used in the primary classes and standards I and 11., and these books had been ascertained by officers of the Education Department. The position taken up by some members of the Board that the money apportioned would he better spent in such requisites as drawing books and writing blocks is perfectly -absurd, considering that the policy was adopted with the view of avoiding hardships to those parents who transferred from one school district to another, and might in consequence he involved in the cost of a complete set of .new books. Drawing books or writing books are the same in every school district.” The Alinister does not think there is anything in the contention of the Christchurch Board that there is a grave danger to the health of the children in a system which requires the books to be "the common property of the school children. He pointed out that they mix together under present circumstances, and tkatdifferent pupils are frequently handling the same article. It would be as logical to say, he considers, that there was a grave danger in allowing boys, to handle the same cricket hall or bat. If anyone wants to be especially careful tliere-is nothing to prevent pupils using their own books, or taking such other steps as in the opinion of their parents might be required to secure the ideal aimed at. “I think,” Air. Fowlds concluded, “that when the position is explained the Boards will see the reasonableness of the amount apportioned by the Government. If the Boards can show that the books in use cost a larger sum than the capitation provided, further consideration will he given to the whole question. Up to the supplied to me or to the Department «s®