LOCAL TOPICS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 283, 11 April 1929, Page 5

LOCAL TOPICS.

SCHOOL AFFAIRS. Town Needs. (By “ Observer.”) The annual meetings of householders to elect school committees are to be held this month. The writer has heard it stated that comparatively

’ little interest is taken by parents in educational matters in Putaruru, and if this is so it is a great pity. Probably the outstanding feature of national life in the Dominion during the past 18 months has been the great (and for the most part intelligent) interest taken by all sections of the community in education. The revised primary school syllabus has not yet been sufficiently long in operation to judge its effect. As far as Putaruru is concerned, the outstanding event has been the creation of a secondary department, and it has filled a long felt want, for it enables boys and girls to obtain a secondary education at a less cost to their parents. In one respect Putaruru is singularly fortunate, for though French is the recognised foreign language taken, the teacher in charge, Mr. E. M. Marshall, 8.A., is •teaching Latin to several who are desirous of taking this course. It is not many schools of the size of Putaruru that have the opportunity of a choice of languages. Mr. Marshall’s appointment is unfortunately only temporary, ar.d it is understood .that the committee are endeavouring to retain his services, so it is to be hoped that they are successful. The committee have done good work, apparentlv without much encouragement. The people are not antagonistic, but only apathetic. It is to be hoped that there will he a larger number of parents present at the householders’ meeting to thus show their interest in the school. Whilst the committee can take it that the apathy is a sign that the people are satisfied with their administration of school affairs, yet I feel sure that they would welcome a keener interest. —. _

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The Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union have for some time past been raising funds for the erection of a ladies' rest room, and their efforts are highly commendable. It is to be honed that liberal public patronage will be extended to all functions having this object in view. At Waihi. the Plunket Society took up the movement for a rest room there, and they sought and obtained the assistance of the borough, and with the support of the public a fine rest room and Plunket rooms of the bungalow type was erected. The Justice Department gave a portion of their ground free.

There is need in a growing place like Putaruru for the provision of a public convenience, and whilst loan proposals are before the Loans Board an endeavour should be made to earmark a certain sum for this necessary adiunct to a town. Again quoting Waihi as an example, it is only a few weeks ago that conveniences were provided. The result before being that almost every court list contained charges against residents for a certain class of offence that is now non-existent since the conveniences have been erected. Perhaps the Town Board will give the natter some consideration. The writer has heard it stated that the town “ has not yet ” advanced sufficiently to warrant these offices being erected, but that surely displays a lack of faith in the future of the town. It is while the town is growing that such, public utilities should be provided.