EDUCATION IN DOMINION

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23945, 12 May 1943, Page 2

EDUCATION IN DOMINION

WORK OF TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE * OPENING OP JUBILEE CONFERENCE “I send my cordial greetings to the members of the New Zealand Educational Institute on the occasion of its diamond jubilee. In these troublesome and uncertain times, the duty of educating the children of the nation and of explaining present-day problems to them is a difficult task, and one which calls for courage, thoroughness, and forethought, if the children are to be properly equipped to receive and foster their heritage. The responsibility which falls on teachers cannot be overemphasised. I wish you all success in your deliberations." This message from the GovernorGeneral (Sir Cyril Newall) was read at the opening of the institute's jubilee proceedings in Christchurch yesterday by the president, Mr D. Forsyth, of Dunedin, Also present were the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser), and Mrs Fraser, the Minister of Education (the Hoh. H. G, R. Mason), and Mrs Mason, and Dr. C. E. Beeby, the Director of Education. The Prime Minister when reviewing educational advancement in recent years explained that the Government's programme had necessarily, owing to war conditions, been considerably curtoilcd, This conference, said Mr Fraser,- was the first he had attended since the war in the Pacific. Tribute to Soldiers Mr Fraser paid tribute to the members of the teaching profession who were fighting overseas, and to others who had trained New Zealand’s youth so that they might take their place in the battle for democracy and freedom. “The principles that you have taught in your schools are the principles for which our gallant boys are now fighting," said the Prime Minister. “They are the common ideals of humanity.” In regard to the health of schoolchildren. Mr Fraser said that dental centres had been increased since 1935 from 200 to 317. The number of children receiving dental attention had similarly increased from 83,000 to 146.000. In addition, several thousand children who had not yet attended schools, were receiving attention. No fewer than 221,000 children were now receiving pasteurised milk: 8000 were receiving matted milk, and others were supplied with milk for cocoa. In all, 234.000 children were benefiting from the milk in schools scheme. "Whatever burdens arc placed on the adult section of the community as a result of this war." declared the Prime Minister, “we are determined that the milk in schools will go on—even if the war should last for years. After the war it wjll go on undiminishod. Wc realise that WC are building citizens for the future.” Expenditure on Education In 1035-38, said the Prime Minister, New Zealand had spent £3.300,000 on education. Last year that expenditure had increased to £5.200.000. The peak year was reached in 1939-40 when £5.600.000 was spent. “You will observe that there has been a drop in expenditure of late because of the war.” he added, “but it has not been so very appreciable when you consider our other enormous commitments. Yel even if money is available, you must realise that the materials are not to bo had. We do not want to see money wasted in education. We have to get the best value possible for every penny expended.’’ Expenditure on education, therefore, was a fundamental principle, and the Prime Minister congratulated the institute not only upon what it had achieved in the pad, but on what ho called "its vision fur the future,” “The years of the war will pass,” Mr Fraser declared, “but the spirit of solf-sacrifico and courage which has been shown by our soldiers will have to bo shown by our people when they are brought face to face with the problems of the post-war world. In the building up of this new world (which 1 hope will not remain an empty phraser, you teachers will plav an important part, and, to a large extent, it must remain in the hands of educators." Mr Mason also congratulated the institute on attaining Its diamond jubilee, and remarked that it was appropriate that the celebrations should be held in Christchurch where, due to the foresight of Canterbury educational pioneers, 11 had been founded. When welcoming delegates, the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr E H Andrews) recalled that he had not only been a member of the institute but a branch president. “There is no doubt about the fact that the institute has improved conditions for teachers." ho said. ‘ln the old days there was no grading and no superannuation. In tact, we had no security of tenure m our positions, and salaries in most disIncTs were deplorable." Soldier Teachers Our activities and our progress, as lias everything else in life, have been anccted by the war," declared Mr Forsyth in his presidential address. The energies of the institute, he said, had been directed towards safeguarding the interests of soldier teachers, and assuring that, in spite of depleted staffs, the education of children should suffer as little as possible. More than 50 per cent, of the male members of the institute were with the services. “Those left at home,” said Mr Forsyth, "both men and women, have carried the burden. and have still found time to take part in all worthy patriotic organisations. In spite of all the difficulties, I believe that education has not only not gone back, but that it has actually made definite forward progress in many directions. This is surely a war-time record that all concerned. from the Government down, may fed justly proud of.” After considering some routine business, the conference adjourned for afternoon tea. During the day a wreath was placed on the Bridge of Remembrance by the president. The conference will resume this morning for the annual meeting of the institute. THE ATLANTIC CHARTER WORK OF REALISING PRINCIPLES PART TO BE PLAYED BY TEACHERS The belief that the New Zealand Educational Institute could make a great contribution in the future towards the realisation of the principles of the Atlantic Charter among the people and children of the Dominion was expressed by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) when speaking at the diamond jubilee dinner of the institute, which was held in Christchurch last evening. Mr Fraser said that the translation of the terms of the charier into reality could not all be done in the classroom, but nothing would bo done unless right education preceded the attempt to do it. The Prime Minister, who proposed the toast of “The New Zealand Educational Institute," said that the institute had produced some great men and some great leaders, and it had been responsible for the inauguration of many projects, many educational suggestions, and many plans that were in existence to-day. There was hardly any advancement in educational thought or practice introduced in the educational courses of the Dominion that had not at some time or other been inaugurated round the council table of the institute. Mr Fraser described how the faitii of the people of Britain had carried them through the dark days of the war, and said that the leaching profession had played a great part in saving children and caring for them during Iho air raids. If there was any section" of the people of Britain that had covered themselves with glory and were entitled to gratitude it was those

who had taken charge of the children. The teaching profession of Britain had stood out magnificently during all that period. Mr W. Burgess, who replied to the toast, said the Government need have no fear that anyone living at present would ever flag in efforts to plan for better conditions in the future. The toast of “Educational Administrators" was proposed by the president of the institute (Mr D. Forsyth', who said that New Zealand had no need to be ashamed of its education system, present or past, compared with that of other countries. He referred to the wonderful team spirit that existed between the administrators and practitioners of education. The Minister of Education 'the Hon. H. G. R. Mason' replied to the toast and thanked Mr Forsyth for his references to the work of administrators in education. The senior vice-president 'Mr D. C. Pryor) proposed the toast of "Founders and Past Presidents.” and one of the founders., Mr J. R. Wilkinson, and a past president. Mr W. H. Newton, re-, plied. Mr H. V. Rowe spoke on behalf of the Secondary Schools’ Assw eiation. and the toast of the staff ol the institute was proposed by Mr J. Barnett and replied to hy the secretary iMr G. R. Ashbndgeh