N.Z. Spending £lm A Week On Education

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30104, 11 April 1963, Page 15

N.Z. Spending £lm A Week On Education

Over the last year. New Zealand has been spending £lm a week on education, said the Minister of Education (Mr Tennent) when he opened the new assembly hall and administration block at Lincoln High School yesterday Mr Tennent said the sum represented 4.35 per cent, of the national income and as such was one of the highest figures in the world. He said that in addition to this sum more than £llm had been spent on education buildings. “So you see. education has become very big business,” he told the pupils. Mr Tennent said he felt a school like Lincoln High School had an important part to play and a great deal to contribute in the Dominion’s education system. The completion of the assembly hall and administration block had rounded off a building programme which now gave the school ample classroom accommodation and a full range of specialist courses “My advice to you all is to apply yourselves diligently to your school activities, study, and sport, and I have no doubt that the reputation of your school will become synonymous with those of Lincoln College and the various branches of scientific research located in this area.” said Mr Tennen:

“You are particularly fortunate that it is possible to have an agricultural course and I was very pleased to learn that this was made possible through the co-operation of Lincoln College, the Crop Research Division and above all the local farmers.” said Mr Tennent. He said the Government was very conscious of the importance of education. “We must be prepared for our education to advance with the times so as to keep up with an ever-changing world and yet be practical for the needs of our country," he said. The headmaster (Mr C. M.

Harris) paid tribute to former teachers and parents for their contribution to the development of the school, rewer than 30 of the school's roll if 300 lived within three miles of the school. It was his wish that the hall, and the school, would usefully assist in developing a community feeling among them. Parents and guests were welcomed on behalf of the school’s board of governors by tiie chairman (Mr J. U. Barclay).