CONTROL OF SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20867, 8 May 1931, Page 14

CONTROL OF SCHOOLS.

NELSON AND NAPIER. SYSTEM OF CO-ORDINATION. SECONDARY AND TECHNICAL. [BY TELF.GRArn. —TOESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Thursday. Steps are being taken by the Education Department to bring abort coordination of control of the Nelson Bovs' and Girls' Colleges with the Kelson Technical ColJcgo. and of the Napier Boys' and Girls' High Schools with the Napier Technical School, in accordance with the terms of the Finance Act passed shortly before the end of the emergency session. Although opinions m the centres were secured by the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore, before the decision to effect co-ordination was made, the decision has been greeted with a certain amount of opposition, which is stated to be mainly from tho technical school interests. The Act was passed by Parliament with little discussion, the Minister stating at the time that tho step was being taken in the interests both of efficiency and economy.

Alteration in control will be concluded as soon as possible. It is intended that one governing body shall control the three schools in Napier and one governing body the three in Nelson. Tho whole internal control will be changed and supervision will bo moro closely defined than in the past. - * It is considered that an excellent chance to try the new plan was presented in Napier following tho earthquake and action was taken when it was found that damage to the school buildings would necessitate reconstruction.

Where possible the practice is to be extended throughout the Dominion. The aim will be to have technical and secondary schools in one compact area with probably one headmaster and a senior assistant who will be director of the technical division. Once reorganisation has been completed in Nelson and Napier, steps will be taken to effect similar changes in other centres.