Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1918. SCHOOL AFFAIRS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1897, 31 October 1918, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1918. SCHOOL AFFAIRS.

TJMO balance-sheet in emmeelioti wiili Ik’ recent effort In raise funds (o provide extra." for refurnishing the new scluml, when creeled, shows a loin I of nenrly almost n third more limn (he objective aimed at. This splemlid result is due to the interest the local public and parents lake in the educational welfare of the children. Of the sum named, over £IOO is represented in cash donations, and upon which a subsidy of £ for £ may he claimed under the Act. Subsidies will also be paid upon other portions of the total if expended upon specified scdiool equipment. A Villi the added subsidy the fund should expand to something' like £-500. This amount wisely expended should make the .Foxton school the best appointed primary institution under the Board's jurisdiction. There is one tiling wauling in connection with the school, and that is a swimming bath. We need not touch upon the advantages and importance of swimming in connection with the,physical and moral well-being of the scholars — that is self-evident. Foxton does not possess a water supply, oilierV/ISG school baths would have been an established fact long since. The Committee discussed this subject two or three years ago, and obtained an estimate, but owing to Hie cost of pumping and drainage, had to reluctantly abandon the project. We are glad to know, however, that the’Mayor is at present negotiating for a suitable site for municipal baths, and has an estimate of cost and other details in his possession. The Education ' Department pay capitation on school swimming classes, but outside this it is doubtful whether any financial grant

would’ be made to the Council. If the baths were put down at the school, a subsidy on money raised locally could be obtained, Sullicient funds - ,' however, are now available to do all that will be required to thoroughly furnish the school and 'provide an environment conducive to the health, happiness, and intellectual advancement of the scholars. The next point is to urge the authorities to push on with the new building with all possible speed. The present disorganised state of affairs is not only handicapping the children in their studies, but, as the hot weather approaches, may be a serious menace to their health. If the Board or Department would only emulate local enthusiasm the children would soon be housed in their new building. It’s a pity the erection of tin* school could not be transferred to the Committee.