Suggestion On Aid To Schools Opposed

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31836, 14 November 1968, Page 14

Suggestion On Aid To Schools Opposed

Concern that the news that the Cabinet was considering the question of further State aid to private schools was expressed by members of the Canterbury School Committees’ Association last evening.

“I feel very strongly about this,” said Mr K. A. Milne, who is also a member of the Canterbury Education Board and the new Christchurch Teachers’ College Council. “There hasn’t been much publicity. It’s been done very quietly in the House and now we are confronted with the information that it’s before Cabinet.” Mr Milne said school committees must be very careful that nothing be allowed to happen that would result in a reduction in grants for buildings at State schools. “After all,” he said, “every

child can go to a State school and it’s a matter of choice if he goes to a private school.” Mr Milne said the argument that private schools relieved the pressure on State schools was a very weak one. Already a “certain section of the private schools” had changed its policy and sent a large number of its children to State schools. Mr Milne said it was a reasonably urgent matter that should be watched very closely. The executive should channel any protest through the Federation of School Committees.