CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20089, 19 November 1930, Page 10

CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.

RESULTS TN CANTERBURY. THE DIRECTOR SATISFIED"In general, consolidation lias proved beneficial in all cases where it has been effected, and the people concerned are satisfied with the results," said tho Director of Education (Mr T. i£. Strong) last evening to an interviewer who asked him whether centralisation of the educational system in country districts had resulted in greater efficiency. Mr Strong said that tho visit of the Assistant-Director (Mr A- Bell) and himself to a number of the Canterbury schools this week was partly concerned with consolidation, and it was also to ascertain what was possible in tho direction of reorganisation. They had been engaged on this investigation for the past tlfree weeks, and their conclusions would be reported to the Minister. During their tour they had made n. note of certain matters which should bo discussed with the Canterbury Education Board, and ho had no doubt that, the Board would have other items to bring to their notice this evening. Canterbury's topography blade it very suitable for the consolidation of schools. Many of the educational buildings in the country districts had become very old, and their replacement would soon become a necessity. Whether a large measure of consolidation would be attempted, or such a work would bo carried out on an extensive gcalo anywhere was a matter of Government polity. A considerable expenditure was involved ill such changes.