National Party Policy On Science And Education

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29220, 2 June 1960, Page 14

National Party Policy On Science And Education

Tne National Party policy on

science and education suffers from the unavoidable handicap

of being formulated while a Royal Commission is engaged in a long examination of major educational questions. In the circumstances much of what the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Holyoake) had to say at Taupo was necessarily phrased in general terms, and some important issues had to be put aside pending the report of the commission. Nevertheless, the statement was a useful outline of the party’s thinking on these related subjects. With much of it we can agree. The importance of research and of the application of scientific methods in our industries, though it should be obvious enough, probably requires restating in a society more interested in quick returns. Research cannot be done at bargain prices; but anything a New Zealand Government is likely to spend will not be relatively great. We should have liked Mr Holyoake to lay more emphasis on the for better co-ordination in research (which he acknowledged) and on the functions of the universities and trade groups and less emphasis on the plans of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for the expansion of its existing system. However, his outline was sufficiently general to permit the adoption of proposals for more specific reforms, such as the reconstitution of the department on the lines of the independent Australian organisation. This subject would repay careful attention by

National Party policy-makers if they seek better and more economical research.

Two points of Mr Holyoake s statement on education deserve special commendation. One was his wish to extend where possible the powers of local boards. As the growing authority of secondary school councils has shown, the Education Department can safely, and profitably, leave a greater responsibility in administration to such bodies, and to education boards, too. The other was his recognition of the need to train technicians as well as scientists to man the complex industries of the future, a recognition marked by the imaginative proposal that technicians, also, should have the benefits and opportunities of overseas experience. Mr Holyoake, however, was unnecessarily cautious in his reference to the Parry report on university education. Sooner or later the party will have to make up its mind about such matters as bonded bursaries, part-time study, admission standards, and so on. It would lose nothing by declaring itself now. Is the promise of encouragement to the building of student hostels a hint that it accepts the general argument of the Parry report for concentrated, more purposeful studies? We hope so. For the rest, Mr Holyoake kept to safe ground, endorsing what has been the broad policy for several generations now. He could hardly do more until the Currie commission has finished its inquiry, possibly some time next year.