Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 1893. Closing State Schools.

Manawatu Herald, 17 August 1893, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 1893. Closing State Schools.

1 ■• — — i There is a justifiable grumble on the part of parents at learning that the ' State Schools are closed on account of sickness. We experienced this evil last year and other districts are experiencing it again this year. As long as the teachers are well it seems only right that they should be employed imparting instruction to the few as well as to the many, as their salaries still go on. All this sounds perfectly right and we have never heard of a teacher desiring to close a school on hia own account, but, in school matters,, as in everything else, the great question is that of pound?, shillings and pence. The regulations enforced by the Government makes it impossible for the Education

Boards to keep schools open when the decrease of the attendance is very marked, as by so. doing iheiv income from the Government would ba so reduced that they would be placed heavily in debt. This is indisputable, and we find that the inconveniences we have suffered from, and others are now suffering from, arise from the want of help and sympathy from tin; Minister of Education. 'iha system now in force in making payments to Boards was originated at the time the oolotty was in dire financial straits, and last Sesson the Minister was requested to revert hack to the old order of things* He excused himself, but again this Session he refuses to move, though for many months the Government have oeen boasting of the large surplus to their credit. We have no hesitation in declaring that the closing of schools is a most unwise action, when it is done simpiy for pecuniary gain, as it is a breach of an agreement between the taxpayers and the Boards. We admit it is advisable to close schools to avoid the spread of infectious diseases, but the excuse is often used as a cloak to cover a tailing off in the attendance caused by sickness, and not from any real fear of contagion. We have had often to. write against the management of schools by the Boards, but in this instance it is as well, as an election is impending, that the electors should know that the Government are the only persons to be blamed. Boards cannot carry on their duties without money, and the Government refuse that money in the only workable way by which schools can be kept open at all times without consideration of the attendance. It is the experience gained of the " working " and the " strict " averages.