A NEW ORGANISATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 228, 24 September 1918, Page 2

A NEW ORGANISATION.

TO IMPKOVE EDUCATION. The Auckland Education Board hae promoted a conference of those persons i interested in education with the object of binding them together in one organisation to work for necessary educational ' reforms. This gathering was held in the Institute room last evening, with Mr. E. C. Banks, chairman of the Board, presiding. The attendance represented primary and secondary schools, the UniveT sity, an-d the W.E.A.. and also partie* interested in technical education. 1 The chairman explained the objects ol the conference. He suggested an Auckland Council of Education, or some such organisation, to support rather than oppose the work and aims of the N.Z. Council of Education. This, he said, should be a permanent organisation in which all branches of education be represented, and with working committee* and regular meetings in furtherance ol I its objects. Then he moved, and the rej solution was carried: "That this meeting forms itself into an association to promote educational reform." I This was accepted as the purpose of the meeting, 'but the gathering considered it best not to give the association a definite name till the next meeting. It was held to be advisable that all the branches of education in Now Zealandprimary, secondary, technical, University, . and W.E.A.—should be represented. I Tt was held 'by Mr. Cousins and other speakers that the movement, if it were to be a success, must have a solid foundation, and it would be better to disciiee the whole ground 'before taking any active steps. j Dr. Reekie moved: "That t.hie association take steps to influence public opinion 'on matter* of education, with the object 'of compelling Parliament to institute , necessary reforms." The mover of the ; resolution also suggested that immediately officers and an executive committee should be elected. I This matter of compelling Parliament was emphasised strongly, tt wan shown that if the organisation fell short of compulsion it would fall short of it* whole aims. Its work would be mainly political, and it would have to be well organised financially, with well-organised interest, and it would have to hold Wit* !it so much public opinion that I'arliato its precepts. No other linn of aotioe jment would be forced to give attention W""l I lie of UPC , The election of officers was defon™. U>-*p K. (' Hank-, X C. Punlie T. U. ' Wi-11,., I). DunJfip. (.!. (irorgc, \V. Mar.son, .foil, and 11. C. roMsin.-. Miss ll"tier. 1f , .-.-. V I! Chuppj-11, I'rofcßsnr A. T. W. ; Thomart, and Dr. J. S. KceUip were up- ■ pointed a <-.inv..ninfi committee, anfl ankcd to associate with thn KdilcatinpM • Institute at it* comire? public meeting I in the Town flail, there to submit a re- . solution setting forth the paramount importance of education reform to tne State.