SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 837, 4 December 1929, Page 11

SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

OPINIONS DIFFER AT WOODHILL WHOLE QUESTION AFFECTED How the difference in opinion among parents of children attending Woodbill School concerning the proposal to convey them to school in Helensville had a bearing on the question of schools consolidation was mentioned by Mr. R. Hoe at the Education Board this morning. Mr. Hoe explained the efforts to secure an agreement among the parents, but, at the moment, unity had not been reached. Maori parents were reluctant to have their children leave Woodhill and 11 European children also desired to stay, although Mr. Hoe gave it as his view that the number of Europeans opposed to the scheme could be reduced. He suggested support by the board for the proposal to convey t.he European children to Helensville. The natives had decided that to remain at Woodhill would be in the interests of their children, although every inducement had been given them to attend Helensville.

“Would it not be better for the board not to take action until these people have settled their differences?” asked the chairman, Mr. A. Burns. Mr. Hoe: I contend that it is regrettable to hold up consolidation. Mr. J. Boddie: Ido not believe that the present or any other controlling body in Wellington would sanction a movement to classify natives from Europeans. “They will have to do it,” said Mr. Hoe. “This question is growing. There are other schools similarly affected.”

Mr. Boddie: It is evident that the natives do not intend to be conveyed to Helensville if they are in sufficient numbers to keep open a grade one school. It is equally evident that a certaing number of Europeans is opposed to the scheme.

The question was deferred by the board until after the next visit by the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore.