As the Rushden education authorities have not met during August there have been no recent edicts on the matter and we understand that a number of parents concerned have been making inquiries as to what they are to do, while one or two protests against scholars having to go to South End have also been received. Beyond this, however, there has been little action taken, and it appears on the surface that the majority are settling down to the routine and falling in with the zonal arrangements (as published in the "Echo and Argus") without more ado.

It is as well, nevertheless, to clear up any difficulty. The position is that the zonal arrangements are definitely in force and will remain so until a definite announcement is made to the contrary. There is not likely to be any new development until the September meeting of the School Managers at any rate.

It will be recollected that a short time ago, following difficulties which arose in the zoning, the headmasters of the town were asked to meet, informally, and discuss possible improvements. We understand that a brief meeting was held but no announcement has been made concerning any of their recommendations.

In April, too, the Press were asked by the local Education Sub-Committee to make it clear that after the August holidays the congestion at Alfred-street Mixed School would be considerably lightened, and the implication was that this would permit of certain scholars now attending South End to be transferred to Alfred-street, considerably nearer their homes.

But the point that arises is this. It is a well-known fact that normally the selection of the school which his or her child shall attend rests with the parent. The one exception to this is in the case where it can be proved that no accommodation is available at a school, in which case a scholar can be refused admission.

When the zoning scheme was forced on the local authorities by the County Committee and its officials, the position was that Alfred-street, the nearest school for a very large number of children, was full. Therefore scholars could be made to go to South End. But if Alfred-street is not now going to be full they cannot be forced to attend elsewhere, which seems to indicate that the zoning scheme simply falls to the ground.

The situation is an interesting one, and is full of dangers, but we believe the local education authorities are anxious to do their best to fall in with the wishes of parents as far as it practicable. The point we wish to stress, however, is that it is no good any parents thinking everything is going to be just as they may desire on Monday. Pre-holiday arrangements stand until further notice, with the exception of any possible individual notifications to the contrary.

Reference has been made to exceptions to the general opening date on Monday. These are the South End Mixed and Infant Schools, which are remaining closed until September 5th to enable the installation of new heating apparatus to be completed. This will be a good job done, and not before it is time. Continual criticism has been offered of the heating arrangements at these Schools for a long time, and although economies in renovations in other directions, which were to have been put in hand these holidays, were effected at very short notice by the County Education Committee, we are pleased to see that this particular piece of work has been carried out at last.