TOO CROWDED

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3293, 28 July 1943, Page 5

TOO CROWDED

SCHOOLS IN THE CITIES MR SUTHERLAND’S OPINION CENTRALISATION DEPLORED Criticism of the policy of centralisation of education in the cities was voiced by Mr A. S. Sutherland, M.P. for Hauraki when speaking in the House of Repiesentatives recently when the Education Department’s estimates were under consideration. Mr Sutherland stated that he appreciated the fact that it was difficult for the department to carry on a difficult building scheme at present when the nation was at war. He added he had, however, found the Minister and his staff very helpful and he had been successful in having many improvements carried out in the Hauraki electorate. There were, however, many new schools, renovations and school residences wanted in the area and he asked that as soon as the defence programme of building was completed that the department would carry on those works. Better In Urban Areas Continuing, Mr Sutherland said he doubted the wisdom of too much centralisation in education. Tn many instances huge schools were being built in the cities and the children brought in -by bus. Mr -Sutherland maintained that he would prefer to see schools built in the urban areas and the city children brought out to the rural areas. By this scheme a better understanding would grow up between the city and country children. It would also do away with a lot of overcrowding that was at present taking place in the city schools. - “ I feel sure the Minister will consider these proposals when we start on a building programme again,” said Mr Sutherland.

The Prime Minister replied to Mr Sutherland and said that the proposals of the member for Hauraki were sound and -worthy of consideration and he felt sure the Minister would seriously consider them in future expansion of school works.