TEACHERS’FLAN

Grey River Argus, 31 March 1932, Page 4

TEACHERS’FLAN

Educational Economy ALTERNATIVE TO COMMISSION SCHEME. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, March 30. The Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Educational Institute has evolved an alternative scheme effecting, it is claimed, economies equivalent to those recommended by the National Expenditure Commission in regard to education. The Executive feels very strongly that the Commission’s neglect to consult educational opinion, before elaborating its proposals, has resulted in a scheme of economy which cannot but be highly injurious to the system, and unjust to the children. The Executive approves of a National Board of Control, to control and supervise the system, but recommends that the principle of local interest should be conserved by the creation of district boards, inexpensivek organised and equipped, which would control primary, secondary and technical education; also School Committees should be retained. Substantial economies, it is considered, could be effected by bulk purchase by tender of school requisites, the abolition of departmental examinations, the reduction of the inspectorate, reduction of teachers’ training by half, elimination of the post-primary classes, savings in building expenditure, curtailment of departmental reports and returns, curtailment of departmental travelling expenses, and insistence of school hostels being selfsupporting.

The economies suggested tota’ £504.950. and are exclusive of econo

mies possible in respect to university education and child welfare, two departments which at present account for £325,595 of the expenditure on education.