EDUCATIONAL TOPICS

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 174, 24 July 1923, Page 8

EDUCATIONAL TOPICS

AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE. QUESTION OF SUBSIDIES. <By Telegraph.— Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. It is understood that an important I conference between the Hon. C. J. Parr (Minister of Education), departmental officers, and chairmen and secretaries of education boards, will be held in Wellington after the Parliamentary session. That such conference was contemplated was hinted by Mr.Parr some time ago. In addition to numerous questions of administration the conference will discuss the vexed question of methods and limitations which., should reasonably be attached to subsidies upon voluntary contributions raieed by bohool committees and others. In-the past there has been at least the impression that such noneys in certain instances might have been expended in a more useful way. Suggestions have already l»en made by some of the boards as to the amount of subsidies arid scale, varying in accordance with the strength roll of schools. The Auckland board submitted a comprehensive scheme, which it is understood the Minister considered most reasonable. Another matter that will 1* debated is the high prices still obtaining for the erection of buildings in certain instances in some board districts. This lias given the department some concern, and the Minister desires to ascertain means of getting better value if possible for building grants. The conference will also discuss the grading system. In the past J various boards have put varying interpretations on their duties in this connection as defined by regulation, and naturally the Minister desires as much uniformity in this connection as possible.