THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16816, 5 April 1918, Page 7

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

' J,* - !- 1 ».! > ■ . * J f ' ALTERATIONS SUGGESTED. ;.', POST.WAR CONDITIONS^ The question of improving and extending the educational 'system has lately occupied the attention of the New Zealand Educational Institute, : which : has , commenced a Dominion campaign with the object of engaging ' public interest in connection with,the matter. 'The' institute has circularised school committees, education boards, societies, .and. organisations interested in national, education, seeking cooperation in urging upon the Government the necessity : for improving the present system. ' The' circular states that the demands made upon the individual by civic responsibilities and industrial organisation and competition alike become greater year year, :• but there ; has v not been a corresponding addition Ito the educational equipment /necessary to meet those "demands. # i)> v ~"■"-■ ••>; '';'■ ■~'■■'■■■' The circular, which was received at yesterday's meeting of the , Auckland branch of the institute, sets out the following suggestions: — (I).' Improved staffing of ss&ools to permit pupil-teachers to' be further relieved from responsible class teaching; (2) further facilities for the .extension of continuation classes and enforcement of compulsory attendance, ■especially of cadets and apprentices, at technical and continuation classes during daylight hours; (3) more adequate space in buildings and playgrounds,, and more attention to the sanitary condition of buildings (4 increased salaries for pupil teachers, probationers, and Training College students '(5) more attention to physical instruction and organised games, especially swimming, and better provision for medical inspection, and, for medical and dental attendance where necessary. t Mr. W. H. Newton, the North Island representative on the Central Executive of the institute, said the matter had been brought before the Minister for Education in Wellington recently.' It was emphasised that it was necessary to immediately take steps to effect improvements, so that the country could be prepared to deal with post-war problems. The institute was of the opinion that one of the first steps should be to offer better inducements to young, people to enter the profession, but it was not solely ' concerned with that aspect. lie chief immediate purpose was to educate public opinion. The institute carried a resolution strongly urging the Government not only to resist all attempts to encroach upon the national system of education, . but also, without, delay, to make provision for improvements, and' extensions necessary to enable the nation to successfully cope with after-war conditions. A letter was received by the City Council last night from- the Auckland branch of the Educational Institute, enclosing the circular letter from the headquarters of the institute regarding the suggested alterations in the education system. The council "received" the letter.