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Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1926, Page 2

It is very satisfactory to find that definite steps are- to be taken in the attempt. to organise an excursion for Westland scholars to the Dunedin Exhibition. All are agreed such a visit will be highly educative, and it seems to be a matter now of ways and means to accomplish the object in view. A meeting is to be held ca Saturday forenoon to consider the pros and cons, and by then a good deal of information will be available. Judging fr«m the estimates given in Christchurch, tho cost from here will he about double. There are two clap's extra travelling time, and it may not lie as convenient to get in the return as well, as the .Midland service is not a daily one. If only six days are granted, four woidd he occupied in travelling, and only two remain for Dunedin. Obviously that would be inadequate. Eight days appear to bo about the minimum time which would be serviceable, and that would include a Sunday. Travelling on a Tuesday or Thursday from the Coast would be the best days to work in evidently, and returning on the same days the following week, would absorb llie eight' days. The scheme requires (lie whole-hearted support of the teachers who would be in charge of the pupils, so as to give the parents the fullest assurance, as to the proper care of the children. Parties are not to be less than twenty, and as the country schools will not be able to make up full parties, they should be allowed to amalgamate, and a teacher assigned to the charge. This is a matter which the conference proposed should adjust. Tlv? minimum cost, it would appear, will not bo loss than about, ten shillings a- clay, so that for an eight clays’ trip the provision of about £5 per child will be necessary to cover all expenses and allow something for pocket money. Here again there will be. a responsibility on the teachers to bo acting treasurers for their charges, and to see that the money available is not wasted. The scheme will have its difficulties of course, hut the advantages are so manifest that every effort, should I e made to surmount them, tt is to !,:• hoped willing help will he .forthcoming from the Canterbury Education Beard in the

wav of arranging stop over accommodation at Christchurch. Tf that can bo fixed, one of the chief difficulties asoeiatod with the trip will lie overcome. Before the meeting next Saturday town and country teachers should ascertain how many of in© children are likely to travel, as such information is very essential in completing the arrangements.