LOST TRADITIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23075, 28 June 1938, Page 11

LOST TRADITIONS

DOMINION SUFFERS EDUCATION POLICY BLAMED MR. C. T. MAJOR'S CRITICISM [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Monday Criticism of the Government's educational policy was voiced by Mr. C. T. Major, a former headmaster of King's College, Middleniore, at the annual reunion smoke concert of Waikato old boys of the college held in Hamilton. The view that much of tho trouble in the world to-day was due to loss of traditions, and the value which should be placed on them, was expressed by Mr. Major. Certain European nations had lost their traditions, and as a result did not care what they did. England passed through tho present stage of Europe 300 years ago.

"We have precious little tradition in New Zealand and that is fast disappearing," said Mr. Major. "We have no anchor. In education all tradition is being tossed over. It was started in 1900 when Mr. R. J. Seddon made a grab at the secondary schools of New Zealand. It is a scandalous thing that this Government should turn loose all the men who have controlled our great schools and made them what they are to-day." Mr. Major said the Government would centralise all education in Wellington; hoards of governors would go, endowments would go, traditions would disappear and there would remain nothing but a party system of education. "If this mob gets back to office it will be the end of sound education in this country," concluded the speaker.

POLICY DEFENDED LABOUR MEMBER'S REPLY "I strongly object to people who go around New Zealand uttering expressions about the Labour Party that make its members and followers appear like a mob of sheep or a herd of cattle, without culture or education," said Mr. F. W. Schramm, M:P. for Auckland East, during a pre-sessional address at Newmarket last night, when replying to Mr. C. T. Major. "Mr. Major stands for a class of people who can afford to pay £5 a week for the education of their sons and daughters, whereas the Government aims to educate tho children of working men, who earn only £5 a week," said Mr. Schramm, amid applause. "It is the duty of the State to give a complete education to every child, and education should not be reserved only for tho sons and daughters of the wealthy." Referring to Mr. Major's words, "if this mob gets back, it will bo the end of sound education in this country," Mr. Schramm said tho statement was a direct insult to the Government.