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Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2483, 9 June 1888, Page 2

The prevailing opinion amongst members in the House of Representatives, judging from the report of the speeches on the Tariff, is that there should be a general increase of the school age, from five to six or seven years. The purport of these proposals is to obviate to some extent the necessity for imposing further taxation on the people, as laid down in the Colonial Treasurer's Budget. ' Sir H. Atkinson, himself, has declared that the proposed alteration ia the school age would produce a saving of £25,000. It is, however, as well to point out that the change, if carried into effect, would in many instances operate very seriously on country schools. In many rural districts there is such a large proportion of children attending schools who are between the aj?es of five and seven years, that should they be withdrawn, it would necessitate the closing of the schools altogether. The proposal would apply to cities and populous towns, without meeting with any great opposition, or hardship, but as • regards sparsely settled country districts, some exception should be made, in order that they may not be deprived entirely of the benefit of educational advantages tor their children. \