DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2862, 24 March 1925, Page 3

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

COMMITTEE AND CHIEF INSPECTOR CONFER, DETAILS THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED. Mr Stuckey Chief Inspector of the Wanganui Education Board, accompanied hv Mr Swanger, Board secretary, and Mr Alf. Fraser, Board member, conferred with the local school Committee at the school yes today morning. The Committee was represented by Messrs J. K. Hornblow (chairman ), A. N. Smith, and R, Rnngihenea. Messrs J. Link! a ter, M. .J. Chrystall (Mayor) and R. McMurray (Chamber of Commerce) and the headmaster (Mr F. Mason) were also in attendance. Before l lie conference was opened, those present were hospitably entertained at morning tea by the school staff! who were accorded a hearty vote of thanks by the chairman for their thoughtful hospitality. After welcoming (lie officials, Air Hornblow reviewed the agitation and, reasons for the establishment of a local district high school. He said the advantages of the wellequipped high school at Palmerston N. with its staff of experts, and splendid environment, was recognised, but unfortunately, owing to the train journey and long hours entailed, only a small percentage of those entitled to post primary education were able to take advantage of this privilege with the result that some of our most promising scholars had been deprived of a full scholastic career. The train jour neys to and from Palmerston N. occupied five hours, which was a physical drain on pupils and a source of worry and anxiety to parents. The number of pupils in Foxton entitled to post primary education was between 30 and 40. He pointed out the facilities for secondary education afforded centres in this and the Wellington district as compared with Foxton’s disadvantages. So far as accommodation was concerned, the old school residence in the school grounds, with a small expenditure, would be suitable to meet the case, or could be converted into a separate infant depart ment, and the infant room used for secondary purposes. Other details were also mentioned, and he hoped that the Chief Inspector, after reviewing all the facts, would re- . commend the immediate establishment of a district high school to the Council of Education. Mr Stuckey said th'at it was only fair that he should point out to the committee any difficulties which might militate against the advancement of those entitled to post primary education by the establishment of a district high school. The number offering was quite satisfac- * tor-y. There was, however, a great difference between the advantages of a well equipped high school such as was open to them in Palmerston N., and the establishment of a local district high school. Several district high schools in the district had not been a success and the Board had decided to disestablish one. The staffing of such schools was also a difficulty as it was not always pos sible to obtain teachers qualified to encompass the curriculum. Another point, was that under the grading system, the district, high school was in the nature of a “blind alley’-’ and was made the jumping off place for teachers. Accommodation was another obstacle but he was pleased know that this could be overcome locally without incurring heavv expense. He said he was anxious to do liis best for the educational welfore of local pupils but at the same time it was- only fair that they should know the whole facts. The junior scholarships were an anachronism side by side with the proficiency certificate. Scholarships were gran-, ted to children where all the facilities were near at hand and should only apply to country children who were not so fortunately situated, lie could not commit himself at present but his report would be subnijtted to the Council but be could say in the circumstances that he was sympathetic (hear, hear) . Mr Chrystall (jointed out that those who could afford to do so were boarding their children at other schools, rather than send them by train; but at the same time there were many who could not afford to do this; and in many cases children were unable to complete their education. Mr A. N. Smith pointed out. that in the past when we obtained good headmaster's they did not stay very long; but if a district high school was established here the grading of the head teacher would be considerably increased; and therefore, there was every possibility of the school retaining its headmaster for some time. Mr Eraser (as member . of the Education Board) said the Board had favourably considered the applications, but the" final decision did not lay with the Board. Mi - Swanger spoke on the financial side of the school, accommodation and equipment. Mr Chrystall said the supperroom of the Town Hall could be ob- . tained if required, at a very small rental. The Chairman said he felt sure that the ratepayers would meet the Board in this connection. Mr J. Linklatcr, M.P., urged the "establishment of the school and hoped the Chief Inspector’s report would be favourable. Votes of thanks to the officials and chair terminated the conference. All'. McMurray endorsed the previous speakers remarks and gave experiences in connection with his children.