SOCIAL SERVICES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 138, 8 December 1931, Page 8

SOCIAL SERVICES

TOO BURDENSOME NOW

EXPENDITURE TO BE CUT

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WANGANUI, 7th December.

Speaking at the opening of the new Technical College hostel, which cost £31,000, the Hon. R. Masters, Minister of Education, said that New .Zealand had been generous in all matters pertaining to social services, and had. been proud of it, but in times of industrial depression such services became burdensome. People would have to realise their responsibilities and give serious consideration cto a reduction in expenditure. . •. .

He intimated that a reduction in expenditure in all Government' Departments, especially on: the administrative side, would come under the Government's consideration in thenearfuture.

The farmers of New Zealand, said Mr. Masters, were the men who,were providing the money to build such structures as the new hostel, and until more of their produce was sold the country would have to slow up in expenditure. •'■.'. He intimated that there would be strict economies in the Education Department, but he stated definitely that the chances of boys and girls of New Zealand would not be affected in regard to the reported curtailment of the freeplace system. He said that if he had a business'manager in his business he would leave him alone for twelve months, and at the end of that time he would expect a balance from him, and he would1 take stock. That was what he was doing now in regard to secondary education. . . ,■ ■ It was his duty to see that the basis of their education was sound before children were allowed to go to secondary schools.. In regard to unemployment, he advised boys who had trained for a specific profession or trade to take any job that they could get. If they did not work they would not get on. Hard work and application would get tha average New Zealand boy aB far as he liked to go. Mr. Masters said that he had made arrangements to call a conference of all those who would be able to help: in formulating schemes to give boys leaving school employment. .