The Proficiency Examination.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20381, 30 October 1931, Page 10

The Proficiency Examination.

If it is true that tho Proficiency Examination has been suddenly made unreasonably ' difficult, the Education Department has begun to economise in a characteristically foolish way. But the standard for some time has beep sp low that although the change may exclude children who are "well fitted "for a secondary school career" in themselves it is not likely to do injustice to any who are well fitted by training, A distinction must also be made between injustice and b&rdsjiip. It is a hardship if children who have been led to expect motor-car rides all their lives are compelled suddenly to ride bicycles or walk, but their parents cannot be charged with injustice for robbing them of privileges that can no longer be paid for. Economy must pftep begin suddenly, and they are not altogether to be pitied who are taught life's lessons young. However, the fact that must be kept continually in the public mind is that privileges cost money, and that the State is no more able than the individual parent to educate beyond its means. It is just as well to remember that one of the changes of which the public of England have just overwhelmingly approved is an education cut of ten million pounds, and that a considerable portion of this amount is to come out of salaries. The teachers of New Zealand haye already lost a tenth of their salaries, and if they will assist with economies in other directions they may not have to lose any more. But the teachers of England will now lose fifteen per cent., though the result of the cut will mean (after the deduction of superannuation contributions) that

Over 53,000 qualified teachers will receive less than £3 a week. Over 41,000 qualified teachers will receive less than 55s a wuek. Over 28,000 qualified teachers will receive less than 50s a week. Over 14,000 qualified teachers will receive less than 45s a week. Over 12,000 qualified teachers will receive less than 40s a week. It has to bo remembered of course that salaries in England are at present 140 per cent, above the pre-war level, and that they will still be more than 100 per cent, above that level after the reductions have been made. But if the people of England of all classes —for even the Labour members of the Economy / Committee voted for & 12£ per cent, cut —are prepared to reduce sixty thousand teachers to the paylevel pf policemen, it is to be hoped that the teachers of New Zealand will not carry vigilanco to a point »t which it nmy be £ii§underbto«3.