NOT TO BE CLOSED

Evening Star, Issue 21231, 12 October 1932, Page 6

NOT TO BE CLOSED

TWO 1 SCHOOLS OF MINES MINISTER APPRECIATES THEIR XALN [From Qua PsausasaxsaT Rspoaraa,] WELLINGTON, October 12. For the current financial year, at all events, there is no intention of adopting the National Expenditure Commission's recommendations for the closing of two of the schools of mines in New; Zealand. The expenditure for the year is contained in the Estimates, and this shows no reduction beyond that effected by the Arbitration Court’s general order. The Minister of Mines (Hon.. O. E,Macmillan) is a firm believer in the value of the schools. “ I think they, are extremely useful and have performed a very valuable service to .the community,” he said this morning. “ Mining is here to stay, and it would he absurd to expect young New Zealanders to have to go outside their own country to pick up sufficient knowledge of mining to qualify them as mine managers, battery managers, and the ramifications of an industry requiring certificates. Furthermore, it is necessary to have several of tbpsp schools in New Zealand in order to save parents the expense that would be involved if their. children had to be educated at considerable distances from home.” “ These schools also have to be attached to districts where mining is operating,” continued the Minister. “The expenditure is quite a reasonable item.. It provides for post-pri-mary education, which is extremely valuable, and, as a result of the training, we have turned out any number of men who have obtained appointments in New Zealand and outside.”-