SIDE-SCHOOL AT THE SEASIDE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2494, 17 October 1922, Page 3

SIDE-SCHOOL AT THE SEASIDE.

. Despite the pi-otest of the local school committee, the Wanganui Education Board has decided to accede to the request of Beach residents to establish a side-school at the seasside. An agitation has been afoot for some time to have a school at the locality, the backing coming from residents directly and indirectly interested. It is argued by them that a school would further popularise the resort and enable a number of visitors to remain a longer period at the seaside.if a school were provided for the children. In 'order to assist the Board to establish the side-school, the Beach Committee lias placed the hall at the Department’s disposal, free of rent, for a period of three years. The Committee’s view point, while in sympathy with meeting the bona fide requests of parents of children . of sehSol age, is that it would be in the best interests of the children concerned to have them conveyed to and from the Beach to the local school, which is thoroughly equipped and staffed and provides a correct environment. From a financial point of view, the Department would not be justified in equipping and furnishing a side-school as against paying for locomotion. -Locomotion could be provided at £3 per school week. With a side-school, there raus£ be provided a teacher, equipment and maintenance and periodical supervision by the local headmaster. At .present' there ate nine children of school age attending the local school from the seaside. These together with the children of parents who are now permanent residents may bring up a total of from 20 to 25 during certain periods of the year.

The capitation earned at the sideschool would not be sufficient to meet expenses unless a special grant is made or other provision made to assist the local committee funds. The main objection by the Committee is that the distance of the proposed side-school from the main school is outside the statutory limit and until this point is settled, the Committee are not prepared to take over the added responsibility.