STATE SCHOOLS.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 13, 23 September 1927, Page 4

STATE SCHOOLS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I have read with interest the letter of "Father," "Mother," and others on the subject of schools, committees and accommodation, and am not impressed with their arguments; for they have missed the great point, which is that under the present system of Education Boards no improvement is actually possible unless that improvement is forced upon the Boards by political pressure. We are graciously given a new school at Waiwetu. Why? Only because the whole scheme in that district, including the subdividing, the roading, and the railway was arranged by the Government, and naturally (or perhaps I should say strangely?) the Government saw to it that a school was included in the scheme. It has become increasingly obvious that the function of the Education Board is to prevent the spending of money, and when it cannot prevent

expenditure, it usually sees that as small an amount as possible is allowed for. No public body in recent years has made a greater muddle of affairs, nor is there a worse example of purile foolishness. From buildings to coloured chalk, from inspections to returns, the story is always the same —red tape, inefficient administration, ridiculous cheese-paring, and always a stone wall against real progress. ,The appearance of one' school *is spoiled for a fad; the roof of another is allowed to leak for so long that only a completely new roof will now mend the situation. The opportunity to acquire new land is allowed to pass for lack of interest. The only improvements that are made are those made at the expense of the committees, paid for by money raised from the parents of the children. One cannot wonder that rumour credits the present Government with the intention of abolishing the Boards, but nothing has been said as to what will take their place. Some Government departments are really efficient —for instance, the Post and Telegraph—«nd there does not seem any reason why the Education Department should not be equally so. For the department to control the whole of the education system direct seems a tall order, but it is, I think, a feasible plan. With many apologies for taking up so much of your valuable space.— I am, etc., 8.8. J.

WAIWETU SCHOOL COMMITTEE. A very enthusiastic meeting was held recently in the Waiwetu School, the occasion being the election of a School Committee. The chair was taken by Mr. J. Stonehouse, local representative of the Education Board. There were 19 nominations. The following were elected:—Mr. May, chairman; Mr. Seagar, secretary; Mrs. Joyce, Messrs. Smith and Rintoul. The school was to be opened on Monday, September 12th, but owing to the roads not being ready for use the Education Board has been unable to get the metal, etc., on the grounds in order to make the playgrounds comfortable for the children. However, the school will be opened as early as possible. This will be the most up-to-date school in the district, and when the grounds are laid out will be a credit to the Valley.