The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, March 28, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1226, 28 March 1914, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, March 28, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

With the object of promoting the welfare of the local State school, the head-teacher, Mr Jackson, accompanied by the Chairman of Committee, visited several of the Palmerston schools yesterday, including the High School. The visitors were cordially received at the various institutions, and a number of subjects of school interest were discussed. The Campbell Street school—probably the largest primary school in the Board’s district, with an average attendance of over 600—is anything but a striking edifice, and the grounds do not present a pleasing environment. The headteacher, Mr Watson, is a man of ripe experience and a keen educationalist, and his staff work well up to his standard. This school is noted for fame achieved in athletic games, and trophies in the interior proclaim that fact. A feature of the visit to this school was the military precision with which the juvenile officers in the ranks marched the several companies into school. The interior of the building is stuffy and oldfashioned, and not conducive to the health of the scholars. A new building and more cheerful environment is soon to be provided for the school —not before it is wanted. The West End School is a new structure in brick, and a fine piece of architecture, set down in four acres of laud. The grounds are not yet laid out, but a certain amount of improvements have been effected, and it is the making of a model school. The High School is an institution of which Palmerston and the district may feel proud. The grounds are delightfully laid out, and kept in splendid order. The institution is equipped with the most modern appliances, and the rector informed the visitors that he hoped in the near future to have the lectures illustrated by moving pictures. The students appeared to be healthy and intellectual. Swimming baths are atlached to the school, erected at a cost of /500. The head teacher of our local school, as a result of the visit to the primary schools, can rest content, that, from an environment view point, he has nothing to learn from Palmerston. As to methods, our dominie did not express any opinion.

Ei-skwiihke in this issue we publish a statement from Mr Field iu respect to bis platform and candidature for the Otaki seat at the forthcoming general election. It will be noticed that while Mr Field intends to stand as an Independent, his views in the main are identical with the policy of the present Government. He pays a tribute to the party in power and frankly admits that “Mr Massey holds broad and liberal views,” Mr Field also says that the Government “has adopted, and to some extent further developed, the liberal measures of previous Governments,” Mr Field is at one with Mr Massey on the land question, settlement, industrial legislation, advances to settlers and workers, suppression of trusts, combines and monopolies and education. In fact on all vital points we fall to discern any difference between the Government’s policy and Mr Field’s platform. Under these circumstances the Government supporters throughout the electorate should hesitate before “mixing things” by selecting a straightout party man. to contest the seat.

road has been widened al certain dangerous spot*, which is much appreciated by settlers, but the curves will continue to be a menace until straightened. We commend the matter to the Councillor for the riding, Mr W. K. Barber.