Mokau River Settlers Seek Consolidation of School

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1942, Page 6

Mokau River Settlers Seek Consolidation of School

Settlers on the Mokau River, with the object of obtaining improved educational facilities for their children, are endeavouring to have the Mackford school closed and arrangements made to convey the children to the Awakino school. The Awakino school committee is favourable to the proposed consolidation and, with settlers from the Mokau River, met Mr. H. W. Insull. secretary of the Taranaki Education Board, at Awakino last week, when the position was discussed. It was explained by the settlers that seven children were concerned and that the proposal to run the present school bus across Awakau Road to within bne mile of Cumming's property would entail little more expense than previously, because it was not necessary now for the bus to run three or four miles farther up the Awakino valley. The proposal. besides giving the children improved educational facilities, would effect a saving because it would enable the Mackford school to be closed and would release a teacher for service elsewhere, and it would assist in retaining the grade of the Awakino school. The proposed bus cervice would make it necessary for some children to walk' two miles as wellas cross the river. It was unanimously decided to press on the board the urgent need for bringing about the consolidation, and with the object of having it made effective at the beginning of the term next week it was decided to make representations to the members for the districts, the Hon. J. W. Polson (Stratford) and the Hon. W. J. Broadfoot (Waitomo). It was also decided to seek ths co-operation of the North Taranaki School Committees' Association and of the New Plymouth Returned Services' Association, Mackford being a returned soldiers' settlement.