EDUCATION AMENDMENT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 74, 9 March 1933, Page 10

EDUCATION AMENDMENT

SECOND READING DEBATE.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL SYSTEM

Wellington, March 8

The Kt. Hon, G. \V. Forbes, moving the second reading of the Education Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives to-night, outlined the measure on the lines of the explanation he gave when the bill was introduced. He said that it dealt with alterations which were necessary as a result of economy measures takeu by the Government. Provision was made lor the establishment and control of junior and intermediate high schools, and although there had been objections on the ground that the legislation was dealing with the question in a piecemeal manner, the Government considered it more satisfactory in view of the financial position of the country to carry out the policy gradually rather than to make sweeping changes. There was a clause in the bill giving power to suspend teachers for neglect of duty oi wilful disobedience. At present there was power only for dismissal, and it was felt that this punishment was too harsh in a large number of cases. The clause really had the effect of reducing the penalty and bringing teachers into line with the remainder of the Public Service. The Rev. C. Carr (Timaru) said that without the unification of local control everything would bo “higgledypiggledy.” The establishment of intermediate schools should be carried out under a comprehensive national policy, and the establishment of these schools should take place when unification was established.

Mr S. G. Smith (New Plymouth) said that it was necessary for education boards to possess some disciplinary powers over teachers for minor offences against the regulations. He had hoped that there would have been complete consolidation of the education legislation.

Mt Walter Nash (Hutt) said that the bill contained several important features; yet the Education Committee had been ignored He contended that the establishment of intermediate schools should be preceded by experimental investigation. The Recess Education Committee had recommended a three-year course in these schools, but the Government proposed a two-year course. It would simply take children from public schools after passing standard four and place them for two years in new schools. This would mean shifting round children and teachers without any beneficial results. He urged Air Forbes, even at this late stage, to refer the measure to the Education Committee.

The bill was read the second time without division.