TARANAKI EDUCATION DISTRICT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 33, 9 June 1915, Page 7

TARANAKI EDUCATION DISTRICT.

At New Plymouth last night, a deputation comprised of the Mayor (Mr .J. E. Wilson) and Mr W. J. Penn, explained tot the Prune Minister the feelings of Taranaki in regard to the education districts question. The News reports as follows: Mr Wilson said that it was felt here, not only in New Plymouth, but also by the people of Taranaki, that it would be most unjust in the existing circumstances to take away the control of the education of the district. The district of Taranaki is a 'rapidly growing district, and lias made {more progress in population than 'any other district in New Zealand. And as the district expands by a lot 'of new country and there is more intensive farming the district will gain much more population. Jt was felt that if a change in the education district was made now it would not be very many years before it would be necessary to revert hack to a separate district, owing to the population -growing and warranting it. It appeared to Mr Wilson that the proposed changes in the district were ! mor.e for the benefit of the teachers

J than the children, and he felt that it iwas the children who should be considered. If the Taranaki district was [abolished, a great injustice would be (lone to the children. The Taranaki 'district was capable of having many additions made to it, Mr Pettri saiu that the Taranaki education district has existed for over forty years, and had grown from a very small child—from a few small schools it had grown into a very important district. As matters stood at present, the southern end of the district was administered from Wanganui. The Taranaki Board was in a unique position in that ever since its existence it had controlled small schools in the back country, and Mr Penn doubted if there was any other board in New Zealand which had the same experience in dealing with small districts. The board was established here, and now it was proposed to control the district from a place a hundred miles away. Mr . Massey: Where is that? Mr I'enn: Wangauui. Mr Penn went on to say that it was almost impossible to have the administration of the northern portion of Taranaki controlled from a place so far away. Now Taranaki had gone through the hard work it was proposed to take the district away. Mr Massey: 1 am very glad to hear what you have to say in what to you must he a very important matter. You understand, however, that a commission is now sitting in regard to this, so tho matter is sub judiee, and I cannot possibly express an opinion. I can only say that when this matter conies before the House I will hear in mind what you have said.