EDUCATION POLICY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20172, 5 February 1929, Page 11

EDUCATION POLICY.

MEETING NEW CONDITIONS.

PROBLEMS IN DOMINION

ATTITUDE OF MINISTER

[BY TELEOBArH.—OWJf CORRESPONDENT. ] WELLINGTON, Monday.

Several aspects of the education policy wore referred to by the Minister of Education, Hon. H. Atmore, in replying to a deputation from the New Zealand Educational Institute. Regarding the question of reorganisation raised by one member, Mr. Atmore emphasised the fact that the opinion to be given wpuld be the opinion of the Government. All questions of policy must be enunciated by the Minister and not by the permanent head of the department or any other official. He was quite satisfied that no person could lay down a policy that could remain unaltered for a term of years, and be satisfactory. Education must bo in a state of flux, and the department must be keen to observe altering conditions. The Minister said he agreed some alteration was required, and that there should not bo such a predominance of academic considerations as in the past. He believed it possible to gauge the inclinations and fitness of boys and g ; rls at an earlier age than was done at present. In other words, ho was inclining very strongly toward the junior high school system. He hoped to be able to give a definite statement on the matter within the next month Financial considerations must, of course, govern most of these questions. Mr. Atmore said he was sympathetic in regard to the payment of headmasters, arid when money for tho purpose was available the question would receive first consideration. While be agreed there was need for vocational guidance for boys and girls leaving school, he thought something was necessary as a preliminary step. Unfortunately, employment for the majority of boys and girls leaving school to-day did not exist, and he believed a vigorous land policy which would stimulate employment must bo the first undertaking.

It had been said recently that tho question at present was not so much one of finding a square hole for a square peg, as of finding any kind of hole for anv kind of peg. The Minister believed that hit off the position, and portion of tho Government's policy made for tho vigorous closer land settlement move that was necessary to bo put into operation to give boys and girls a chance of work in cities, where opportunities for employment would bo increased consequent upon greater development in the country.

Something had already been done in regard to the unemployment of teachers. Last year 200 extra teachers were appointed. The question of smaller classes was governed by the question of finance. The Minister would like to see the classes conic down to 30. and if this was not immediately possible it would be an objective to which they could gradually work. He agreed with the deputation that there should be fewer regulations, and that these should be on a simpler form. In some cases regulations had to be issued, but it. was a power that should be indulged in very sparingly. In conclusion Mr. Atrnore said consolidation of the Education Act was badly needed, but he was not sure whether it could be put' through in the approaching session of Parliament. It certainly should I><3 put through at the earliest possible moment.