THE EDUCATION BILL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15663, 17 July 1914, Page 6

THE EDUCATION BILL.

An exceedingly important measure was introduced to the House of Representatives last night by the Minister for Education, This measure— Education Bill—proposes to effect in the administration of the national educational system, radical changes which have been frequently discussed by representative bodies, to provide in a more liberal manner for the growing demands of the department and to institute various other reforms affecting scholastic and medical inspection, examinations, grading, salaries, and so forth. A representative Education Council to meet annually and District Councilsnine in number— meet as required, arc to be inaugurated, but these do not affect the existing local control of education. What seriously affects the Education Boards is the proposed reduction in the number of Boards from thirteen .to nine and the consequent division of the present Auckland Education District ■ into two. It is generally agreed that a reduction in the number of

Boards is desirable, but it may yet be found that the balance of advantage lies in the moro drastic proposal of the Education Commission of 1912 to reduce tho total number to five. The need for amalgamating small districts such as Nelson, Marlborough, Grey and Westland is unquestioned, but it has not been made so clear that education can gain by tho subdivision of the larger existing districts. This and the proposed dual system of. electing the Education Boards— by the vote of committeos and partly by. popular vote—will doubtless be subjected to considerable criticism and amendment before the Bill is passed. Another radical "change proposed is the inauguration of a departmental inspectorate and of Dominion examinations, grading and scale of salaries. This, of course, is centralisation, but the constant tendency of the times is in that direction, and it is difficult to suggest how necessary departmental reconstruction can be effected without trenching somewhat upon tho local authorities to whom education has hitherto been entrusted. A matter of great concern to that most deserving body, the public school teachers, is that of salaries, and in this direction necessary increases are proposed. Secondary school teachers are similarly considered. Of peculiar interest, in view of recent revelations as to the physique of the public school children, is that of medical inspection, and this is provided for to a much greater extent than hitherto, though hardly as completely as maybe hoped for when public opinion is more keenly aroused. Altogether the increased cost of education, under the new Bill, amounts to £150,000. A weakness in the Bill is that it makes no direct provision for securing sanitary and hygienic conditions in the schools. This is a notorious evil and is not the less pressing because it would cost a very large sum to place school buildings upon a sound basis. Possibly the Educational Councils may be able to exert influence in this direction, failing which the question might very fittingly be made prominent in the popular elections proposed for the boards.