MODERN TRENDS IN EDUCATION

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29315, 21 September 1960, Page 10

MODERN TRENDS IN EDUCATION

Move To Town Schools Noted By Minister

”A lack of post-primary educational facilities for children in the country has caused a drift from farms towards the town,” said the Minister of Education (Mr Skoglund) at the official opening, of the new Waiau School block recently. The Minister said the Government was doing its best to remedy the position. At Waiau, the school roll had more than doubled since 1936, because there were more married couples on farms in the area, he added.

Mr Skoglund said the Government was building larger schools which allowed teachers to be used more economically. Less money was needed for new schools and more could be spent on replacing established schools. “With 1500 trainees receiving certificates shortly, we will be able to reduce the size of the classes in the primary school,” said Mr Skoglund. “By 1962 it is hoped to be able to reduce the average class from 40 to 35.” Other speakers at the ceremony, which was attended by about 300 adults and 100 children, were the member of Parliament for Hurunui (Mr W. H. Gillespie), the chairman of the Amur! County Council (Mr A. A. McFarlane), and a Canterbury Education Board representative (Mr A. Murray)'. The new block comprises three classrooms, a staff room and an office.