Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1919. SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1969, 26 April 1919, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1919. SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTION.

ON Tuesday evening next the Jiouseliolders of Eoxlon will ho called upon to eject a School Committee of nine members for the ensuing twelve months. In (lie past, householders have not evinced much interest in the annual eleclions, due probably to lhe fact (ha) (hey have been satisfied with the way in which the aK fairs of the school have been administered. To past committeemen credit is due, for the results of their efforts which have been manifested in the improved environment and appointments of the school. Prior to the lire which destroyed the school building' last year, Eoxlon was credited with being one of (he best appointed and equipped primary schools in the Wanganui district. Considerable sums of money were raised from time to time to this end, and much was expended in rectifying structura! defects in connection with ventilation and lighting, which should not have been borne or carried out by the Committee, but the health of the children was considered of paramount importance. The unlovely appearance of the school grounds was converted into a beauty spot, the playing area levelled and improved, and a line asphalt tennis court laid down. Swimming baths were contemplated, but had to be. abandoned owing to lack of finance and iinancial upkeep. The works undertaken took several years to complete, and had not the btiild-

ing been destroyed, very little else remained to be done. However, much of the work .will now have to bo again undertaken. The site of the new school will encroach on a portion of the front garden, a new entrance will have to be provided, and a large amount of important details to be considered and given effect to. For this purpose'it will be necessary to select most enthusiastic, practical, and, if possible, those who have done good service in the past. We regret to state that a section of the community has been embittered and prejudiced against certain members of the present Committee re the piano purchase question. Householders are entitled to think how they like on that question, but to allow such, prejudice to blind them in the selection of capable men will be inimical to the best interests,of the school and a reflection on their intelligence. What matters is the best environment il is possible to provide for our little ones, and a Committee capable, enthusiastic, and enterprising to carry it out.

THE powers of School Committees, like Education Hoards, are greatly restricted, and a vital change will ere long lake place in conned ion with these. administrative bodies. 'Everything points to the fact that: Boards will be eliminated and wider powers will bo given to School Committees, who ■will control local educational affairs, subject only to a National Board. The local Committee is linked up with the School Committees Association, who, in conjunction vviHi the Now Zealand Educational Institute, arc working along (hose lines. Among the reforms which these bodies arc urging upon Parliament arc increased grants for teachers, in order to attract hot ter qualified men and women for the (caching profession, better buildings and reduced clashes, the standardisation of school hooks and free issue of same to (he scholars, compulsory denial treatment, to he free to those parents whose income does not exceed £1 per week. To do away with socalled secondary schools in small centres in favour of properly equipped institutions in the larger centres, made accessible to all children under certain qualifications without cost to'the parents. These arc some of the problems outside purely parochial matters that School Committees can assist in. Having these points in mind, it is the duty of every householder to make a wise selection when electing Committeemen.