FREE, SECULAR EDUCATION

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26986, 11 March 1953, Page 8

FREE, SECULAR EDUCATION

MR R. M. ALGIE URGES RETENTION , ADDRESS TO SCHOOL COMMITTEES (New Zealand Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, Mar. 10. The Minister of Education (Mr R. M. Algie) speaking at the annual conference of the New Zealand School Committees’ Federation in Palmerston North, said he hoped that delegates would continue to see that the present system of free, secular, and compulsory education remained. If it was thought that an amendment was needed, one would have to be sure that the direction taken was right, he said. Because New Zealand schools were secular, that did not mean pupils were not taught spiritual values. New Zealand schools had become secular because, in the past, they had suffered from too much denominationalism, said lyir Algie. The following remits were carried at the conference:—

“That linoleum or other approved floor covering be provided in all infant classrooms.” “That this association views with grave concern the wholesale use of prefabricated classrooms, especially where it is obvious that permanent buildings are necessary, and urges that prefabricated classrooms be used in cases of emergency only.” “That the conference press for more effective and modem equipment for heating old schools.” “That staff rooms in existing schools be supplied with amenities, as is the case in some new schools, such as hot water, furnishing, etc?’ “That the Education Department’s attention be directed to the advisability, for hygienic reasons, of schools being provided with adequate wash basins.” “That the conference reaffirms its view that the size of classes should be reduced to 35 as soon as possible.” /‘That, where new schools are being built in rural areas, a head teacher’s residence be built or provided at the same time.”

“That every endeavour should be made to provide suitable accommodation for training college students.” “That the Dominion Schoo* Committees’ Federation be consulted before any amendment to the Education Act is submitted to Parliament.” “That the maximum penalty for truancy be raised from 10s to £10.”