A CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1937, Page 2

A CONFERENCE

OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES

(Per Presa Association—Copvrigh:).

NEW PLYMOUTH, August 25.

Future ’ conferences of the Dominion Federation of School Committees Associations will be held not later than a month prior to the commence-, ment of the last session of Parliament in that year, according to a decision reached at the conference at New Plymouth to-day. Several remits entailing considerable changes in the constitution of the federation, and regarding the conferences dates and place were discussed, but all were wiped out by a. motion which was carried that no change be made in the constitution. The Canterbury Association suggested that, after 1939, the conferences be 'held biennially at Wellington, when Parliament was in session. Wellington ! Associated urged that the annual conference be bpld in March instead of in August, and also that the Executive be domiciled in Wellington.

The remit carried came from Manawatu. The Conference adopted a remit from Manavvatu Association that the Minister be requested to standardise the method and date of payment of capitation by all Education Boards to ensure that all School Committees secure payment in twelve equal instalments. payable monthly in advance- arid that the method of computing the capitation be based on that at- present in operation in the Taranaki Board’s district. That the School Committees be empowered to expend up to five per cent of their capitation for purposes not included in the Schedule was a Wellington remit carried. The importance of ground improvements was stressed, and the conference urged that the Boards be given discretionary powers to allocate money for this purpose. The Minister will be urged to make provision for the payment of the rental of school telephones, to be made a charge against the School Committees’ account and for the telephone to be connected free of charge. Provision by the Department of the total cost of the installation -of hot water systems in the school residences, and the provision of all modern conveniences were suggested in a Southland remit, which was also carried. The Government will be asked to arrange with local bodies to provide water for schools free of charge to the committees. -• Tt was stated that some local bodies . supplied water free, but others did net. Strong support was forthcoming for a motion urging the Government tc restore subsidies on. amounts raised locally for school purposes by volunj tary contributions. An extra fuel grant for schools suffering from colder climatic condition; was sought by Southland and this wai supported by the conference.

REQUESTS FOR CHANGES.

NEW PLYMOUTH, August 26. The business sessions of the conference of the New Zealand Federation of School Committees’ Associations concluded to-day. Christchurch was selected as the venue of the next conference. Officers were elected as fol- i lows: —President, Mr It. S. H. Bu- j chanan (Christchurch); 'Senior VicePresident, Mr W. H. Fortune (Auckland); Junior Vice-President, Mr A. E. Morgan (West Coast); Secretary! ' and Treasurer, Mr T. Nuttall (Canterbury) ; Parliamentary Committee, Messrs F. li. Porter, '(Chairman), J. Fyfe and E. Miller (Wellington), W. G. Black (Manawatu), and Mrs M. Bentley (Wellington); Canterbury Executive, Messrs 0. R. N. Mackie, j E. Burgess, A. E. Thompson, G. H. Harrigon and F. Prebble; Association Executive, Messrs J. W. Preen (South Canterbury), J. Walter (Southland), A. E. Morgan (Westland), Rev. V. Graham (Otago). A 1 remit suggesting that the time for daylight saving be altered, so that it should commence on the first Sunday of October, and end on the last Sunday in March, evoked a difference of opinion. The labour problem on farms was advanced by the country delegates as the reason for shortening the daylight saving period by one month. An amendment to the effect that, in country districts, it should be the prerogative of tile school committees to open school at 9.30 a.m. during the period of daylight saving was carried. ' A relaxation by the Hospital Boards for three days of their practice of debarring from the nursing 'profession applicants who have received no more than a. primary school education was strongly advocated. Among remits affirmed were ones urging:

That the size of classes be limited to 35.

That the Education Department be urged to undertake a system of modernising the furniture and equipment in the primary schools. That the appointment- of teachers be made as from the beginning of each school year. That the Government be urged to revert to the original system of free dental treatment.

That travelling dental clinics he provided in the country districts. That kindergarten classes be established wherever there are sufficient children to form such classes.

The conference supported a remit from West Coast that the school leaving certificate should be adopted as the standard of attainment for entrance to the public service, and to all other professions where a university degree is not a necessity. If a Board of tile Inspectors of the Education De-

partment were to set the examination papers for the Certificate, , it would obviate any high fee being charged by the University authorities, and the requirements of a majority of pupils receiving secondary education would be met.

The conference adopted an Auckland remit suggesting that swimming instructions be included in the school curriculum, and that, where possible, practical instructions be given in life savinv and in facilities respiration, but ITiat, where facilities are not available, land drill should be given. The conference whole-heartedly supported the movement for the introduction of visual education into primary schools.

It was decided to ask the Education Department to consider making provision for suitable instructions by wireless.

Greater attention, it was considered, should be given in all schools to teaching of oral English.