LARGE INCREASES

Grey River Argus, 27 August 1937, Page 7

LARGE INCREASES

Minister’s Announcement

SCHOOL COMMITTEES IMPROVED.

[Per Press Association]

NEW PLYMOUTH, August 26.

An important announcement regarding education policy matters—the most important ever made by a Minister of Education to a Dominion conference of School Committees’ Associations—remarked the Dominion President (Mr. W. G. Black)—was made in a telegram from Hon. Peter Fraser, last night, conveying some of his intentions in the education programme.

The Minister was to have addressed the conference, but expressed regret at his inability, and forwarded certain facts of interest to the conference, in lieu of an address. Mr. Fraser stated that school committee incidental expenses would be maintained at the present level, and it was proposed to grade schools during 1938 on the average roll for the first four weeks of the third term this year, and not on the percentage. Other proposals included the following: i Increase in pupils’ boarding allowance to 7/6 a week (at present it is 5/-); consolidation of schools in suitable areas, and where parents were favourable, this was being encouraged; increase in handwork material to I be maintained; special provision for sewing instruction in small country schools, with a male teacher only, will be continued.

An increase in the grant for school libraries from £1,200 to £5,000 for the current year. School building programmes will be pushed forward as rapidly as possible, and ground Improvement schemes will be promoted on a larger scale than last year.

The Department has decided to relieve school committees of the. contribution for installation of septic tanks. A suitable primary school leaving certificate in lieu of proficiency is being prepared. Provision for agricultural clubs will be increased.

Additional provision will be made for kindergartens. A commencement will be made with the appointment of vocational guidance officers. Consideration is being given to the abolition of home work in primary schools, and a considerable curtailment in post-primary schools. Training College students have been increased from 428 in 1935 to 1,187 in 1936, and to 1,360 this year. This will expedite the reduction in the size of classes. Cancellation of the repayment ot boarding allowance by 1933 and 1935 Training College students, has been approved. . A committee, representing the Department, Education Boards, and teachers, is considering staffing and salaries for primary schools. A special committee is considering the whole question of text books. Three women supervisors of the infant departments will be appointed. The milk in schools scheme, up to the present, includes 92,000 children, which is one third of the school population of the Dominion. The number of dental nurses now being trained will enable considerable extension of the clinic service next year, and in subsequent years.

In addition, the Minister stated that the reorganisation and unification of education was under consideration. and a plan would be submitted to Parliament, during the coming session, he hoped.