TECHNICAL EDUCATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23274, 17 February 1939, Page 16

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

PROBLEM OF EXPANSION A SUGGESTED SOUJTION The establishment of some portions of the Seddon Memorial Technical College as separate institutions as a solution of the problem of providing technical education in Auckland was suggested by the principal, Mr. G. J, Park, in a report presented at a meeting of the board of managers yesterday. The domestic science school was mentioned as a possible instance. A system of intermediate schools was not correct, in Mr. Park's opinion. The tendency in such schools was to direct the more capable people to the professions, which in New Zealand must be regarded as less important than the industries. "If our industries, particularly agriculture, are left to the inferior students it will bo a sad mistake." the report stated.

" The fact that our numbers have increased by 50 per cent since 1933 may probably impress upon the Education Department or the Minister the need to plan for future requirements," the report continued. "However, it would seem that there is a great hesitation on the part of the department to extend the provision made for education of our type. This may be because extensions are needed in only one or two parts of the Dominion, and while the need for extensions is impressed vividly upon us in Auckland there is no similar problem elsewhere." The report was received.