HELP OPPOSED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22583, 11 March 1948, Page 3

HELP OPPOSED

PRIVATE SCHOOLS BIG CONCESSIONS ALREADY (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 10. Extensions of financial assistance to schools outside the State system was unanimously opposed by the New Zealand School Committees’ Federation at a conference in Christchurch. Several delegates said that if parents were not prepared to accept the public school system provided by the taxpayers, they should be willing to pay for the private education of their children. Mr. W. J. Wilson (Wellington) said that at present private schools received the benefits of official publications (including the School Journal), arts and crafts material, conveyance and boarding allowances, _ bursaries and scholarships, manual training, library and film facilities, dental services and free milk and apples. These concessions had oeen granted so that children would not be penalised. There was a danger, however, of aid from public funds extending to major items of capital expenditureCompulsory, free, secular education was endorsed by most of the community and the federation should see that this system was not undermined. Mr. Wilson said some private-.schools could make a good case of their efficiency for public assistance. Others offered inadequate accommodation and amenities and employed staff who were not fully qualified. Mr. J. C. Erewin (North Taranaki), said that if parents were dissatisfied with the State school system they could take constitutional measures for its amendment. If they wished to maintain their own institutions they should be prepared to finance them.