EDUCATION AND WAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20571, 3 June 1941, Page 7

EDUCATION AND WAR

REPLACING TEACHERS MAINTAINING FACILITIES {Herald C&rrespondont.) A statement that, despite the conditions brought about as a result of the war, the programme of’ education in New Zealand was to be kept as near to normal as possible, was made by the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, in an interview in Wairoa during the week-end. The Minister said that although oertain difficulties were cropping up, perticularly in replacing school teachers who were serving with the armed forces, the department was making bvery endeavour to maintain the present facilities and it was probable that, in the near future, there would be important developments in the instruction of backward children. War conditions, he said, certainly had a limiting effect on departmental activities, but as far as education was concerned every effort was being made to see that that effect was minimised as far as possible. Teachers going to the war presented problems, and very soon the shortage would be felt in a moderate degree. Training colleges, however, were being fully maintained and occupied with students to the limit of their capacity. Referring to education in New Zealand generally, Mr. Mason said that pressing problems were constantly cropping up. Important developments were likely, for instance, regarding the teaching of backward children. As to new buildings and extensions to existing schools, the Minister said that there was no shortage of materials. To-day wood was used mostly and it was grown in New Zealand.