EDUCATION PROBLEM.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 248, 13 July 1908, Page 7

EDUCATION PROBLEM.

■ ' 'a possible SOLUTION.' (ST TELEGBAPn—PRESS 'ASSOCIATION—COEIMGnT.) (Rec: July 12, 4.30 p.m.). London, July 11. At tho Congregational Congress tho Rev. Mi'. Binns, of Sydney,'described the New South Wales method- of denominational religious instruction, ■ and suggested that a similar, method might possibly.'-provido a solution of tho English' difficulty.! .THE NEW SOUTH WALES ( SYSTEM.. ■ In New South Wales, for many years, a dual system of education was in existence. Tho four denominations—the Church of England, .Soman Catholic, Presbyterian, and AVesleyan bodies—had schools by annual votes from Parliament, administered under the control of tho head of each denomination for tho' timo being. There were also National schools, likewise supported by the State, but under the control of . a Board appointed by the Government. This plan was found to be costly and wasteful in tho extreme, for in many country towns there were, in existence several small and inefficient competing where, the total numbor of children was not more than sufficient foi" ono well-conducted establishment. ■ So strongly was ; this evil; felt that changes ,in.,the law wero made from time ,to tirnei until at length the denominational .system was" abolished alto-' gether, and one' general' and comprehensive plan of public instruction adopted in its place. This reform''was not accomplished without much agitation, extending over a considerable period. A league was formed with the object of securing'the establishment of secular, compulsory, and free education,'and .in 1680, under the auspices of Sir Henry Parke's,, the measure, establishing the present system became law.. Education in the public schools is now non-sectarian, though facilities aro afforded .to clergymen to give religious instruction within specified school-hours to children whose parents belong to their ■ denomination and desire that this instruction shall be given. Education is compulsory, and free to all .who cannot afford to pay, while a merely nominal fee-is charged to those who are in a position to contribute towards tho cost of the teaching of their' children..