THE TAIHAPE SCHOOL.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3417, 23 February 1920, Page 5

THE TAIHAPE SCHOOL.

Sir, —In your issue of* Saturday last a letter appeared written by Mr A. J. Joblin to the Wanganui Education Board, with reference to the Taihape School, and, with your permission, sir, I would be pleased to make a reply, and to place the facts fully before the public. Mr Joblin refers to a deadlock existing between the Committee and the Board over the erection of .shelter sheds, and other necessary repairs to ,th e school buildings, and I maintain this deadlock ■was not caused by the Committee, but by the Board, of which Mr Joblin is a member, by asking the Committee to make 'a donation of £25 to do something which, in the opinion of the Committee, is the duty of the Board to carry out, which opinion is confirmed by the secretary of the ’Board, who stated that he agreed that the principle was wrong, but that it was the practice of the Board. In April last the Visiting Committee (of which the writer w r as a member) reported to the * Committee, presided over by Mr Joblin, as follows; —

“We find that the following matters at the school buildings require attention, and should be placed before the Education Board at the earliest possible moment.

“Water Supply. —The water tanks are in a state of decay, being impossible of repair. We suggest that four tanks be obtained with a holding capacity of not less than 1600 gallons, together with tank stands for same. One of the tanks should be connected up with the town water supply, so that water may be avalTable during a time of drought. “Shelter Sheds.—The boys’ shelter sheds was destroyed by a gale during the period that the school was closed. The girls’ shed is also in an unsatisfactory condition, and requires renewal. We suggest that two new sheds be obtained and both placed on new sites, so that they may be more easily controlled. The present girls ’ shed could then be made use of for the purpose of storing wood, etc., and the materials from the destroyed shed could be used in erecting a small shed for keeping saddlery during school hours.

“Washbasins—The galvanised iron chamber below washbasins on west of building requires renewal, the present one being corroded and leaking. The wooden top to washbasins at east of buildings requires to be repaired. “The rainwater pipe at Technical School requires repairing,'' It was resolved that an application be made to the Education Board to have the matters attended to as soon as possible, and Mr Joblin moved that the report of the Visiting Committee be adopted, and that the School Committee express their appreciation of it. This report was forwarded to the Board, and a reply was received that the Foreman of Works would inspect at the earliest opportunity. Some time later a visit was made to the school, which lasted not more than ten minutes, only the-- headmaster being awar e of his presence, and that by accident; and it was not until an urgent wire had been despatched to the Board that the Committee were able to make an appointment with the foreman to place the matter fully before him. On receipt of the foreman's report, the Board decided to carry out the work, estimated to cost £2OO (which at that time was open to question), provided the Committee donated £25 towards th 0 cost. This the Committee, in view of the responsibility of the Board to carry out such works, and owing to the increased cost of school cleansing and firing finances would not permit, and that improvements were contemplated to the school grounds, they could not see their way to donate the amount requested, and asked the Board to proceed with the work. When the matter was again under discussion by th e Board, Mr Joblin was asked his opinion. He stated that he had no doubt whatever but that the money would be found, and offered to donate £5 towards it; this after being advised, prior to the meeting that the Committee had adhered to its former decision.

Surely., sir, seeing that the Board can afford to spend £BOOO on one of its schools, as stated by Mr Hodge, in providing an rip-ro-date building, good sanitation, bubble fountain, and asphalt playing area, that the children of Taih'ape should bo provided with the bare necessities for their welfare.

When Mr Joblin relinquished the position of. Chairman of the Committee he stated that after 12 months on the Education Board, that there were tirae s when it was likely to prove embarrassing when-'local matters came along, and there is a suggestion that when the question qf the shelter sheds etc., for Taihape school* was under discussion he was ejonsidorably embarrassed to decide betw r een the policy of the Board and the welfare of the children of his own distr*, and compromised with his conscience, and thereby showed his own incapacity to advance the cause of the children, of whom he has become so solicitous. Possibly there is an election looming in the distance. Now, sir, might T suggest to Mr

Joblin to show that he is really in earnest about the children, and that he wishes to live up to his own responsibility, to donate the amount required (£25), and not to Impose on the people of the district for %hat should be free education, which includes free buildings.. Thanking you in anticipation. — I am, etc..

F. SWINDELLS. Chairman, Taihape School Committee