TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3125, 2 July 1917, Page 6

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS i DEPUTATION TO HON. J, A, HANAN. The resolutions of the recent conference of directors and supervisors of technical schools ami colleges were placed before tho Minister of Education (Jlon. ,1. A. Haiian) on Saturday by a deputation representing tlio ' conference 'Tho chief recommendations made, were that (he primary course in the State schools should be remodelled so as to he completed at the age of twelve years, that full time day education should bo compulsory up to'the age of fifteen years, that the education should bo given a vocational trend between the ages of twelve and fifteen, and that boys and girls until they reached the age of eighteen years should be compelled to attend continuation classes in the day time for not less than eight hours per week, employers to grant tho necessary facilities. „ The resolutions were explained and supported by several members of the ran--i ference.

The Minister, in the/course of his reply, said that ho agreed with the conference in regarding as the most serious defect of tho existing education, system the fact that attendance at schools waa not compulsory beyond the age of fourteen years. He had been able, with the assistance of his Department, to make a number of important changes in connection with tho system. .If he could extend the school ago and so bring about a general extension of education for the young people of New Zealand, he would feel that he had accomplished a very great work indeed. It was a matter for deep regret that so many boysi and girls discontinued their education at the critical age of fourteen years, and so wasted some of the golden years of life. Evening continuation classes had been tried in various parts of the world as well as in Now Zealand. They were, jiot successful in dealing with the great majority of the children. Experience had snown that if the young peoplerwere to ucrivo tho maximum of bentfit from extended education, the instruction must bo given in the day time. He hoped that. ou« result of tho war was going to be a general recognition on the part of the nation of the need for the improved education of the young as a basis lor commercial and industrial success. Tho ilin ister added that he realised there would be opposition to a proposal for the extension of the school age. Some parents would object add some employers would object. But be believed that the objectors could be convinced of the value »t tlm reform that was being advocated. Tho first task for tho reformers was to" develop public opinion. Ho did not thiuit that a proposal for tho extension of thn school ago would receive tho approval of Parliament at the present tinio. The demand for better conditions must com'o from the country. The members of th« deputation would realise that the financial sido of the eduoation system pro.6ented difficulties at tho present time. He intended to ask the Government to grant money that ho regarded'as essential, but he could .not ask for very heavy additions to education 'expenditure during the war. He wished in particular to assist the- technical schools, since ho believed that they provided the form of education most suited to the needs of seven out of ten of the boys and girls who passed through the primary schools. Ouo of the obstacles in the way of reform was the fact that certain courses of. education had been established and could not easily 'be disorganised. Interests had been created and habits had been formed. After referring to too financial difficulties of the Education Department, tho Minister said that he would examine carefully the long list of recommendations submitted, to him by. the deputation, and would see what be.could do along the lines suggested. Some of tho proposals made by the conference would involve legislation, and it had been agreed that the present session of Parliament should be devoted to matters connected with the vAr. '