By ANN KIM1vIEL
THE new system of local government in Greater London would certainly present problems for Catholic schools, Mr. R. F. Cunningham, secretary ofthe Catholic Education Council told a conference of Middlesex headteachers on Monday. Education in Greater London area is now directed by eight local authorities. After April there will be about 20. During e passage of the London Government Bill. the diocesan m schools commissions expressed their anxiety about the effects of change the chan to the Minister of n Educatio and the standing committee in the House of Commons that had considered that the red the bill. "One fear division of big local authorities into a smaller o
number of snes would m
'ake it more difficult for children to attend school outside their on area.
But the act will make it possible for a child to attend school anyhere in Greater London re
ss gardle of local boundaries, providing there is a place for him." He also said that the schools will not be restricted in their re freedom to admit Qhildn from outside their immediate areas. FREE PLACES "It was further made clear during ing passage of the Act that, although local authorities would not be bound to particular arrange ments, the freedom to attend schools should be supported by payment of fares.. NN ithin reason." As for the dioceses' anxiety that free places at independent and direct grant schools might be jeopardised. Mr. Cunningham said that students already in school are protected by law. "But there might be difficulty in securing equally good arrangements in the future." he added.
In a talk on youth clubs Fr. Adrian Arrosmith, of the o diocesan youth association, told on
the conference that Catholics have re fallen far behind others in providing constructive leisure-time
es too es too es too
activity. As a result, many youngSters leave their religion Soon after they leave school. He suggested two ways of catching up: 1. Where it is impossible for a parish to have its own yotith club, it could share one with neighbouring parishes.
2. Secondary schools could build a "you to be run by a trained recreation leader. He said. "There are many who say it is not a priest's job to run m
dances, rambles, holidays. I would say his job is to do anything which will bring the young people to Gorr'. One of the most effective ways, he feels, is starting a youth club and training youngsters to run it themselves.