EDUCATION SYSTEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22117, 24 May 1935, Page 14

EDUCATION SYSTEM

BOARD CONTROL FAVOURED MINISTER OUTLINES POLICY [BY TELEGRAM —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday An assurance of his active and sympathetic interest in the work of education boards was given by the Minister of Education, the Hon. S. G. Smith, at the opening of the conference of the New Zealand Education Boards' Association. . .v Mr. Smith said he was not Minister for his own benefit and he did not mind criticism. He'wanted to lie a cog in the wheel and help in- the education system from the primary stage to the university. He believed in district board control and ho had no difficulty in obtaining tho Cabinet's consent to the Director of Education, Mr. N. T. Lambourne, going to England to investigate the progress there.It was hoped to secure unanimity on the question of bringing about some measure of unification of control in various districts, continued the Minister, and those present knew ho had taken preliminary steps to bring about consolidation of the Education Act. It was long overdue. The regulations would also be consolidated. Mr. Smith paid a tribute to tho departmental officers. He concluded by saying that the decisions lie signed as Minister were his own decisions finally and he took full responsibility for them.