TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17395, 4 March 1922, Page 11

TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

RETRENCHMENT POLICY OBJECTED TO.

A letter which caused Borne concern was read at the meeting of the Buo-d of Governors of Christchuidh Technical College last night from the Director of Education. The letter stated that, in view of the necessity for the strictest economy in expenditure, no classes would be recognised which were of low ! educational value or of such small numbers as not to warrant continuance. For example, classes in the following subjects would not be regarded for tho present as of sufficient educational value ] to warrant their continuance: Dross- ; making, millinery, cookery, first aid, j etc., typing and shorthand, woodwork, : isolated elementary n.rt emits, drawing, i etc., elocution, physical training, etc. i In su'ft. classes the number of students ; under 18 rears of age must not be less than 12 for-technical and 18 for coni tinuation subjects to warrant reoonnition. No classes would be jrcojpnsed j for compulsory students except that j compulsory students might be admitted I under clause 8 of the regulations for ' compulsory attendance. here the roll of a class fell below 15 for technical or 18 for continuation subjects, tho class, would not bo further recognised except in special cases—o.g.„ of advanced work, or of classes for students qualifying for a trade or profession for which a regular courso with examinations had beon Tmde . compulsory, or where a full-time instructor would otherwise be engaged for' less than 25 (hours weekly. Dr. Hansen (director) said that four classes wiring, one shorthand, ono type-writing, arid almost certainly the motor engineering class.) would have to be done away with. There were 29 students in the cookery class, and only four were under 18. years, s<J that that class, which was one of tlv> most popular in the Collc.cre, would also i hayo to go. There were 19 other o'asses about, which , there was doubt as to whether they would bo kept in continuance.

Mr E. H. Andrews said it was a serioua thing for the College, and false economv for tho Government to cut out a number of tho classes.

Tho Board resolved: "That a strong protest b* ; sent to the of !Education, against the oroposed drastic-re-duction of technical classes."