DISTRICT HIGH-SCHOOL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8917, 10 September 1907, Page 2

DISTRICT HIGH-SCHOOL.

Messrs Guthrie and Purnell, members of the Education Board, met the School Committees of Bulls and Sau son to discuss the question of the High School. The whole of the Bulls Committee were present, and the Sanson Committee was represented hy the Chairman (Mr J. 11. Ferrett), and Mr W. Phillips. Mr Downs. Chairman of Bulls School Committee, was asked to take the chair, and in opening explained that the meeting had been called hy the Education Board to see if the Committees could, come to some arrangement in the interests of tiio children of the whole district. He briefly stated that the position of matters had somewhat ' changed. The examination held in Bulls last week had given four additional pupils with proficiency certificates aud five with competency certificates, whoso parents had signed their intention of sending their children to a High School in Bulls. This, with one additional, now attending at Wanganui, gave Bulls a total of 28 pupils, of ' whom 24 resided within a mile of the school. There were eight pupils besides iu Standard VI. at the present time. Ho did not know whether Sanson had any additional remarks to make, but in his opinion the whole arguments were iu favour of Bulls as the site of a High School most likely to benefit the district

Mr [Perrott, Chairman of Sanson School Committee, considered Sanson to be the proper centre for a High School. Ho did not think that Rongotea was at present, at all events, likely to have one established. Ho had canvassed the district, and believed the number of children at Sainton would now amount to 23.

Mr Phillips contended that Sanson was tho centre of a large district, and that a school established there would bo a great success. Mr Wearuo pointed . out that Sangon had no contributing schools, as Makowhai, Carnarvon and Clydesdale woro actually nearer Rongotea than Sanson.

Mr Burnell said, as member of tho Edacatiou Board, that what was wished was the benefit of the children, and not; of any particular place. Personally, ho thought Sanson was a good centra, but in calling this meeting it was hoped that the two Committees might come to some arrangement. Mr Guthrie, member of the Education Board, said that the effect of the Act in establishing High Schools had up to the present time scorned to favour the residents of the towns, to the detriment of the country settlers, and the endoavoup of the Education Board now was to bring the advantages of secondary education as far as possible within the reach of all 'children. He considered that Bougotoa is a growing place, and from its population is entitled to a High School, and that it is a good centre. It would .have the schools in at Waitohi, Carnarvon, Makowhai, Clydes--dale, and besides tliesO ?." f ! Oroya 'Downs, Pie thought also that Bulls was another good centre, as it would have Gfoatfofd, Parawpmvi, Ohakea, and Sanson as contributing schools. With those two centres the whole of the children in the district would ho able to avail themselves of the advantages of the schools if they were established. He was open to listen to any representations brought forward, and would give them every consideration.

The Chairman, in reply to tho Sanson Committee, remarked on the very strong claim of the Bulls Committee —viz., first, making first application ; second, 28 pupils whoso parents have signified in writing thoir approval of tho children tending, against Sanson’s 8 pupils; third, all the Birlls children would have to travel four miles to Sanson, one xl miles, two eight miles, and others five to six miles, while more tlian half of tho Saudou children in comiusg to Bulls would not have to travel three miles; that most of the Saudou children ride to school; that it would not inconvenience them to ride to Balls, while on the other baud it would ha a largo expense to tho parents of the Bulls children to provide means of conveyance to ftausoa 5 that of tho 38 Bulls pupils 34 resided within one mile of the school, which was a factor in ensuring an average attendance; that the Bid’s school numbered 133 pupils and was increasing, ftgainst Sanson’s 9-1 stationary. The opinion of tho Bulls Committee'was that a school opened at Sanson would be a failure, as it could not be maintained, but that a

school established at Halls ’would pr~v.-. ■, very strong success.

I-..r ixiug proposed a vote, of thanks to Messrs Guthrie and Purnell. Ho, had no doubt-that whatever decision was come to by the Board the school would prove a benefit to the district. Mr Guthrie thanked the Committee and promised to report tiie discussion to the Board, and said he had no doubt of the success of a sciiool in the district—wherever placed. •