REVIEW NEXT YEAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 245, 16 October 1935, Page 9

REVIEW NEXT YEAR.

EDUCATION SYSTEM.

PLANS OF GOVERNMENT.

DIRECTOR'S TOUR ABROAD,

'By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Itcporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. An intimation that arrangements were already in train for an investigation early next year with a view to the consolidation of the Education Act, the consolidation of regulations under the Act and a review of the education system in the light of information obtained by tho Director of Education, Mr. JT. T. Lambourne, during his present trip abroad was given by the Minister of Education, Mr. Smith, in replying to general discussion, on the estimates for the Education Department in the House last night. He also mentioned that a number of matters were now before Cabinet for immediate j attention. I

Regarding the readmission of five-year-olds, the Minister said the question was now before the Education Committee for investigation, and it would not be right for him to discuss it at that singe.

Mr. W. E. Parry (Labour, Auckland Central) : Why not give your personal point of view?

Mr. Smith: I'll give my point of view when the report conies before the House. There will be an opportunity for discussion then.

Replying to criticism by Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Labour, Avon) regarding the director's visit abroad, tho Minister said the director was not an old man, and had seven years to go before his retire-

ment. It was many years since a director had been sent abroad to study conditions, and it was important to New Zealand that tho Dominion should be properly informed what was happening in other countries. Further, it was proposed next year to take into consideration the question of the overhaul of the education system.

111 uuiur countries, rurrner, it was proposed next year to take into consideration the question of tlie overhaul of the education system. Mr. A. S. Eichards (Labour, Roskill): There is a lot of leeway to make up. Mr. Smith: No, in spite of the depression New Zealand is one of the few countries where the system remained intact. Rationed System for Teachers. Referring to the question of capitation, the Minister said he realised there had been changes in the methods of heating schools, and that committees' expenses in largo schools had been added to greatly, but he pointed out that the present capitation grant was equal to 10/ per child, as against 5/6 before the war. The question of further allowances to school committees was before Cabinet, and the supplementary estimates would show how much was available for the purpose. The question of retaining the rationed system for unemployed teachers was now under consideration, said the Minister. If the system was retained, it would be only until about next June, but if it was abolished now 300 teachers who were • given positions at not less than £92 per year, plus £30 when away from their homes, would be thrown out of employment. Mr. Savage had urged that a substantial grant should be made for the supply of milk to school children. That, said Air. Smith, was not a matter for the Minister of Education, but the Government had it under very serious consideration. The Minister said he would bo glad to see if it was possible to do anything regarding bursaries for students wishing to qualify in veterinary science. The question had been raised by Mr. H. S. S. Kyle (Government, Riccarton) when the question of bursaries was again under consideration. Regarding the reopening of the "Wellington Training College, the Minister said the whole question of increasing the number of trainees was now under consideration by Cabinet, including that of opening the Wellington College. The Minister also referred to the size of classes, and said lie hoped to have a sufficient number of new teachers to overtake the growing number of large classes in the big centres.