Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-12-20
RURAL SCHOOLS
CONTINUED from Page Ohe)

each meeting distinct need, the
church, the spiritual and moral, the
school the intellectual. and the
Grange uniting all interests and add
ing to then, a practical interest in
and study of the financial and bust
ness side of the community life. She
quoted the State Superintendent of
Schools DIR. A. 0. Thomas. as saying
that "the Grange is today one of the
greatest forces for community better
mtnt"
Miss Hale then reviewed the efforts
being put forth for lettering the ply
steal condition of the schools. the
health Of the child being of first con-
sideration. She asked If the school,
houses in the districts from which
the delegates.have come are proosr-
ly ventilated. adding that the value
Of fresh air. even in fighting the in
t,ucnza, is being realized. She asked
If the lighting Of the schoolhouses
was such that the eyesight of pupils
is being conserved. also if the sani-
tary conditions were good. She quot
cd at considerable length and the re-
port of Herbert A. Allan, one of he
agents for rural education in Maine.
on what has been done along me
tines of improving rural school con
ditions for the year 1918.
The report included figures on 243
towns and were for the most part one
teacher schools. OF the towns 173 have
renodeled buildings or have made i'm
provements in lighting, heating and
yQntilatinn
permanent equipment or school ground
extension. In SO schools old-fashioned
benches and double seats have given
way to modern single seats and desks.
Sanitary drinking arrangements have
been reported as installed in 21S schools.
The grounds of So schools have bee.i
improved or added to at considerab l :
cost.
Miss Hale then pointed out that close
ly related to the conditions referred to
is the matter Of the no onday hour in
country schools, and she emphasized
that parents and teachers should be led
to see the absolute necessity of the
teacher remaining at the sohoolhouse at
noon. The bearing of such supervision
upon the morals Of the pupils was es-
pecially emphasized. A hot noon lunch
was also urged for the health of the
pupils. at least one hot dish.
For the first time in many years the
annual session Of the Maine State
Grange passed without memorial ser
vice, no past or current officer having
died during the year. The morning ses-
sion opened in the fourth degree, state
Master William J. Thompson presiding.
A. D. Merritt of Auburn presented the
report of the committee on cooperation.
in which 1t was declared that much of
the success of the farmer depends upon
this factor OF cooperation.
It also referred to the successful OPP
Grafton OF cooperative grunge and far;u
organizations, and to the Safeguarding
of the farmers interests which these
secured.
Many members on the floor were Of
the opinion that the salaries Of the Off
GERS should be Increased and when the
committee reported it was voted to send
back the report for reconsideration
When the report again came from
the committee no change appeared
in the recommendations, 1t being
stated that the matter of increase
had been presented too late TO be
given the attention that it justly