CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1965, 15 April 1919, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.)

• Sir.—ln iny last letter I promised to deal Avith education, and I now offer a feAV opinions in so far as they affect the coming school committee election. From what I can gather, there should be a record attendance of householders at the meeting, and I hope that the object of their attendance will be to further the cause of education, rather than to propagate feelings of hate. There has been a little too much of that sort of thing exhibited' locally over school matters, and the soon - er it is dropped the better. It is the welfare of the rising generation that counts, not personal animosity against this or that member of the Committee. Like others, I require my children taught something that will help them in the struggle ahead. As I have been w'atching the work of the present Committee, I must say they have done well in the face of a lot of annoyance. What avc require is sensible people, avlio are actuated only by the desire to do their best for the children, and this is mostly found in those Avho have a family. Education is a question of the first importance, and the administration of it must only he in the most capable hands, for therein lies the destiny of the race in general, and the children in particular. At present the working man’s child cannot get a place in college or university, the economic standpoint prevents it, while the rich man’s child can attain to the best positions. This must bo slopped, and the university made free to all. This, J believe, is put forth by the Labour Parly, and though not a member, I heartily endorse it. The matter of free schoolbooks, and the standardisation, must also be dealt Avith. Here in Foxtou after last examina-) lion there wore no less than three prices charged for the same class of book, and the sooner the Department supplies the school needs the belter. Jn this connection I believe the present Committee replaced the hooks lost in (he lire hy gelling a slock at wholesale prices, and letting children have (hem at. cost, which saved several shillings to a lot of parents, and I happen to bo one. The lime has now arrived for all commit tees to combine and use their best endeavours to perform (he Avork in connection with (heir various schools under their control, by themselves. The presen! system of being responsible to the Board is out of date, and must go, and the Avelfare of the schools left in the committees’ hands, ansAverable to the Department only; for Avhat justice can be got by the present system is nothing if the committee does not suit (he Board. What happens 1 ? If anything requires to be done urgently (according to the last report of the local Committee), you are expected to chase round and find the local representative of the-Board — red la.pe all the way —then wait a month to find out if the particular thing will bo done. What does tho Board know of local conditions in regard to schools under its control? Nothing. In conclusion, I Avould impress upon the people not to be hoodwinked by mischief-makers, but to use common sense and elect the best men offering for the position.— 1 am, etc., CRITIC.