EDUCATION ECONOMIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 262, 5 November 1931, Page 19

EDUCATION ECONOMIES.

ABRUPT METHODS CRITICISED

DUNEDIN TRAINING COLLEGE

(By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) - DUNEDIN, this day. ; Commenting, on the runioured closing of the Dunedin Training College, Mr. Wallace, chairman of the Education Board, said, "It will be exceedingly fortunate if this should take place, as the Dunedin college is the oldest established training college in New Zealand, its jubilee having, been: celebrated several years ago. Students,from the college are to be found in every part of New Zealand, holding prominent positions. We may say that students who have passed through the college here have proved to be the best equipped for their work. That is the statement of a man who knows the product of all the colleges of New Zealand.'* • •,

"It has been, rumoured that the present Minister of Education intends to do all he can to effect economies under" the regulations and thus escape run-! ning the gauntlet of the Lower House, I fully realise that economies can bes made in the Education Department, but starting on training colleges does not seem to me to be the method to eco-; nomise without doing harm to the system.

•'I want to take exception to the nanner in which this has been done," :aid Mr. Wallace in regard to the intination that two of the' lecturers weire ;o be transferred. "It seems to me that Jiere has been at least a lack of courtesy )n the part of the Minister by abruptly ntiinating that members of the staff ire to be transferred, without consulting the Education Board as to which of the lecturers could be best done without. If the reduction of the staff were necessary—further, if the Dunedin college is to be closed—why not tell us at once and be done with it? Whilst the transfer is legal, it is unheard of in my experience for the Department to make such an abrupt announcement, and ask that the transfers be carried out .at once."

The staff of the Dunedin college comprises a principal, vice-principal, eleven full-time lecturers and one part-time lecturer* There are 220 students.