The Rutland Education Committee was opening a new school, which would appear to be what is now Casterton College, opened in 1939. It is not known whether earth closets were installed or if it had a change of heart and found the funds for flush toilets.
“If my information is correct – and I have no reason to think otherwise – the building sub-committee of the Rutland Education Committee have taken a remarkable attitude with regard to the new central school in Great Casterton.
The place, as is usual with all similar buildings, will be complete with all modern facilities, but there is one exception: the authorities have decided to instal earth closets – and in the year 1938 at that!
It is to be hoped that the decision is not final, for, with an adequate water supply such as Great Casterton is fortunate enough to possess, to build such antiquated and unhygienic conveniences is a step which should on no account be taken by any committee who pride themselves on being efficient.
It may be on the score of expense that the suggestion was agreed to , but is should be remembered that, with to-day’s restrictions, coupled with the recurring expense associated with the old-fashioned method of disposal, the latter may well be found to be the more costly. But in a question of this sort, which vitally affects the health of the rising generation, cost should not act as a deterrent, especially when one remembers the heavy expenditure incurred in other educational directions.
I hope the committee will rescind their resolution and thus save the name of Rutland, which, even if the smallest county in England, has the reputation of being among the most progressive and up-to-date.”
The Stamford Mercury, 13th May, 1938.