Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 1918. AGAIN EDUCATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1867, 22 August 1918, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 1918. AGAIN EDUCATION.

WE make no apology for again reverting to the subject of Education. It is the duty of the Press to keep the llame of agitation going in order to arouse public opinion to the vital necessity of educational reform. There is no subject, outside the winning of the war, of such vital importance to the future welfare of this Dominion. Among other planks in education reform it becomes more and more apparent that the Board system must be abolished. We have set out reasons for this in previous articles. The cost of Board administration is far 100 cosily, and there is far too much wirepulling. The Wanganui Board administers the fund for mantenance, etc., on behalf of the Department, but complains that the •Department is too mercenary, and the grant is too small to meet demands of committees. But is there extravagance in administration? Is it necessary to pay travelling expenses of members and expensive office staff to discharge functions which could be carried out by local committees? There has been extravagance on the part of the Wanganui Board, and this fact can be verified, while children have been compelled to study' in wretched buildings inimical to their health. Committees are tired of appealing and grovelling to the Board for assistance, and sick of the red tape methods of the Board. Here is the condition of a few of the schools in this immediate locality:’ln one school the junior room does not get the sun till 11 a.m.; in another the sun is very glaring on the pupils' eyes; another quite inadequate in summer, and so badly

provided as tp ho dangerous in winter, ami pupils .suffer from headaches and frequently become faint in afternoons; another, several rooms very draughty in stormy weather, and lighting very bad in.two rooms; another, windows too high in No. 1 room, and children get little light; another, lower room never receives a ray of sunshine, and is bleak and cold during winter months, and two large windows, (sft. x 4ft., are fixed'and cannot be opened: another, portions of rooms are never Hushed with fresh air except on windy days; another, very faulty in summer the thermometer registered 84 deg. and over quite frequently. In about 20 other schools in this immediate district the accommodation is absolutely inadequate for the scholars, and we,can quote schools if necessary. As to painting and repairs, one school has not been touched for 25 years, others 15, 10 and eight years, and some ax’e not even weather proof. Some of the school grounds are inadequate, as are shelter sheds. These are only a few of the defects, and they will continue under the present system to (he detriment of tiie health of the children and the discouragement of committees. These are a few of the complaints which will be aired at the next meeting of the newly-form-ed School Committees Association, which, with the. backing of the Educational institute, and‘an aroused public opinion, must lead to im■provement.