The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, July 13, 1915. SCHOOL SANITATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1423, 13 July 1915, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, July 13, 1915. SCHOOL SANITATION.

Tint local School Committee asked the Borough Council at last night’s meeting to forego the annual sanitation charge, 10s. In the past the Education Board has assisted the Committee by paying half the cost, but has notified the Committee that in the future, on account of the increased capitation grant to the school, further assistance in this connection cannot be given. The Council in the past has not made any rebate for this service, and the Mayor last night mentioned that the cans were larger than the uniform size stipulated—which is an advantage to the Council. The School Committee cannot provide a healthy and pleasant environment lor the school children out of the capitation grant, and have had to make an annual call upon a generous public for financial assistance. Only last week the Committee was overdrawn at the Bank to meet current payments. Yet the Borough Council, responsible for the health of the community, with a credit balance to its sanitary account of £4O odd, refuses to assist the Committee to insure the health of the children attending the school by imposing a payment which is contiary to the spirit of the Act and was farthest from the thoughts of our legislators who framed it. The Mayor’s remarks in respect to the Committee’s letter casting a slur on the Councii we leave to the public to judge. We would ask the Mayor to explain why the sanitation demand is not struck as a “rate” instead of a “charge.” He knows well enough that the Council could not impose the amount now demanded as a rate. Anyhow, assuming that the Council is iu order In

making the demand, would it not have been a graceful act on the part of the local authority to fore*' go it for the sake of the children ? The Committee have done, and are doing, good work, recognised by Board and public tor the school, and the Council should do all in its power to co operate, assist an encourage them.