MORE SCHOOLS WANTED.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 May 1916, Page 4

MORE SCHOOLS WANTED.

The expansion of greater New Plymouth, and the consequent increase of population in the enlarged area, has emphasised the need for providing additional educational facilities in order that the children may . have schools within a reasonable distance of their homes. At yesterday's meeting of the Taranaki Education Board two deputations waited on the Board with the ■object of pressing their claims for new schools, the districts represented being Westown and Moturoa (including Spotswood). In the case of Westown the residents can place at the service of the Board a suitable building, so that all they require is the necessary teaching staff and the payment of rent for the building. This portion' of New IPlymouth Iras attracted a large number of residents, and is likely to prove in the near future a well populated neighborhood, There are certainly very good grounds for granting the request, and though at the present time there are difficulties in the way of securing teachers, as well as funds, the'interests of the children should be the first consideration, and all schools that are needed should be provided, Moturoa 'has also a very strong claim to favorable consideration of the request for a new school. The nearest existing school is the West End, and that has for some time past been overcrowded and is needing enlargement. There are, it is stated, ibetween fifty and seventy children in the Moturoa and Spotswood district now attending the West End school at considerable inconvenience, and by provid ing a' new school near the Breakwater it would relieve the presure at the West End and probably enable the enlargement question to be deferred. Moreover, the prospects of a considerable increase in settlement of that locality seem, well assured, especially when the iron and oil works are in full working order. One of the inevitable consequences of expansion is the need for meeting the demands connected therewith. It is essential that progress be not retarded, but stimulated, so that the Education Board and its officers, by recognising this principle and assisting in the process of development, will be acting with commendable public spirit and rendering good service to the community.