Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1917. SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1706, 1 May 1917, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1917. SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.

EOXTON’S somnolence in respect to local public affairs was again evidenced last night, when only Jifleen persons attended the annual meeting- of householders to hear the report and balance-sheet for the past year, and to elect a new Committee for the ensuing year. It may be said as an excuse for such indifference that; the householders are quite satisfied with the work of the Committee —and our pardon for saying- that they would have reason for such expression—-Iml on the other hand, it is a poor way of showing their appreciation of what is being done in the interests of their children. A well-attended public meeting, with healthy criticism, is an incentive to committee men to do even better, but absolute indifference on the part of parents is ungenerous to the Committee and against the public interest. There never was a time when the national system of education needed to be more closely guarded than the present. Agitations are afoot by various denominations, Homan Catholic and Protestant, to smash the present primary system, and if these active bodies are successful —which we sincerely hope they never will be —the public must accept the consequences. School Committees are responsible for the educational welfare of the children in their niidM. This vital fact should not be lost sight of. Too many people are of the opinion that the Committee’s duties begin and end in the care of the buildings, fences and grounds. This is a secondary matter. While the staff is responsible to the Department’s inspectors for the training of the children, the Committee still has the right to call in question matters affecting the work of the school and the limitations of any member of the staff, the power to suggest the suspension of any teacher to the Board, and the right of enquiry. Also it is through the Committees that representatives are elected to the Board. We mention these points to impress upon householders the very important part school committees play in our educational system and how regrettable it is to lind that so little public interest is evinced in the election of school committees. The fact that the work of the local school has gone along smoothly and satisfactorily is hot an excuse for indifference on the part of householders.