EDUCATION BOARDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19720, 20 August 1927, Page 13

EDUCATION BOARDS.

QUESTION OF ABOLITION.

OPPOSITION IN CANTERBURY. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OW>- CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTCHURCH. Friday. At a meeting of the Canterbury Education Board to-dav, Mr. R. Wild quoted figures in opposition to the proposal to abolish education boards. Mr. Wild said the Canterbury Board had spent on buildings during the year £68,345, and in other expenses, such as the conveyance of children and allowances to school committees, £33,349. He wished to emphasise the point that the administration of education by the board represented only per cent, of the total expenditure. If the board was abolished the lj per cent, would not be saved, as the staff was fullv occupied and the same cost of administration would be incurred if there was centralisation in Wellington. The cost of board members was £827 for the year. That represented s|d per pupil under their supervision. For that the community had the services of ex-inspectors, ex-teachers and competent business men all the year round. He did not suppose a single day passed without some members of the board working in the interests of education, at a total cost for the 12 members of only £827 for the whole year. That was the financial side of the question. At that stage he did not think it necessary to go info the other side. Mr. T. Hughes said the boards were deeply interested in education. The figures should be sent to every member of Parliament. A circular was received from the Auckland Board, stating that the position was serious, and asking what the Canterbury Board intended to do. The board decided, on the motion of Mr. E. Andrews, that a reply be sent to the Auckland Board, stating that a special committee would be set up by the Canterbury Board, and that a circular would be sent to members of Parliament, It was decided to ask the Education Boards' Association what steps were being taken as to the proposed abolition. Messrs. Thompson, Wild, G. W, Armitage and Andrews were appointed a special committee to watch the position, and to take what action thought necessary. _____________________