The Dominion MONDAY, JULY 12, 1926. AN IMPENDING OVERHAUL

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 255, 12 July 1926, Page 6

The Dominion MONDAY, JULY 12, 1926. AN IMPENDING OVERHAUL

A hint of an impending financial overhaul of the education system was given by the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. D. Stewart), when replying to a request for increased salaries for university teachers. The Minister was unable to give the deputation a definite promise in the matter of salaries, and mentioned that he had asked his colleague, the Minister of Education, to “analyse the whole education system with a view to effecting substantial economies.”

While it is possible that investigation may reveal opportunities for cutting wasteful or unnecessary expenditure in education, it would be a mistaken policy to cut into tins important service just for the sake of economy. The cost of education must always be an increasing quantity with a rising population. More schools are required and more teachers. So far as the professional side of education is concerned, it is difficult to see where the pruning-knife could be applied without impairing efficiency. The public demands better schools and smaller classes, for better schools make for improved physique and smaller classes for more efficient teaching. Smaller classes mean more class-rooms and additional teachers. Whether the New Zealand University professoriate compares favourably with other countries is a matter for divided opinion. The report of the Reichel Commission recommends a new system of appointment, and provision for a periodical review of appointments. The implied suggestion is that there is room for improvement in the personnel of the professoriate. If it becomes a question of raising the standard of the professoriate, then, it may properly be asked, are the salaries at present paid likely to attract the best men? The calibre of our professors is an important factor in the reform of the university, especially as the examination system is to be brought to trial and judgment. Because education does not produce an immediate dividend, nor even a dividend which can be measured except in terms of a higher type of citizen and superior social environment,, people are apt. to regard educational expenditure with certain misgiving. The line must be drawn somewhere, of course, for the country must live within its means. But if the Minister is looking round for a suitable subject for economy, he might well consider whether the present costly system of administration by district education boards lias outlived its usefulness. The Department lias relieved the boards of many responsibilities and administrative duties, and it is becoming a question whether, in view of their admittedly restricted functions, some change could be effected in the present system of local administration. As an ex-board member himself, the Hon. R. A. Wright will no doubt appreciate the possibilities of economy in this department of the service.