SCHOOL NEEDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 943, 9 April 1930, Page 11

SCHOOL NEEDS

MINISTER AT NGARUAWAHLA DANGERS OF RAILWAY From Our Oxen Correspondent HAMILTON, Today. Various questions affecting the welfare of Xgaruawahia School were brought before the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore. by a deputation from the school committee headed by Mr. A. R. Rayner, chairman, and Mr. R. Eyre, last evening. The importance of providing an overhead bridge or subway across the railway line opposite the school was emphasised. At present, many children cross the lines instead of making a long detour over a level crossing in the centre of the town. The Minister said he recognised the danger and promised to view the locality this morning. Representations would then have to be made to the Minister of Railways. A further request was for assistance to purchase a section and erect a residence for the Headmaster. ‘ It was stated that application had been made to the department for another section nearer the school. The Minister assured the deputation that he would have the question looked into. Owing to the opening of a new convent school at Xgaruawahia. 61 pupils of the primary school had left, but the cost of maintaining and cleaning the school had not declined, and an increased capitation grant was therefore asked for. to meet current expenses. The Minister said if an increasedgrant was made by Parliament this year for the purpose he would see that school committees in need received the benefit. A question of principle affecting all school committees was then brought before Mr. Atmore. The deputation pointed out that a committee could only get subsidies on locally-raised funds through the Education Board. This resulted in a double exchange which was considered an unnecessary expense. They recommended that either a bank deposit slip or a declaration by the committee chairman should be sufficient. The Minister sympathised with the claims of the committee and agreed to investigate the position. Earlier in the day the Minister visited the Raglan district and received a number of requests for dental clinics.