THE HON W. P. REEVES ON THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 996, 3 April 1891, Page 31

THE HON W. P. REEVES ON THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

(per press association.) Christchurch, March 29. At a meeting of the North Cantarbury Educational Institute last night, the Htm W. P. Reeves, the retiring president, delivered an addreas. He spoke at some length as to the functions of tha Institute, tha principle of whioh, he said, was to educate the public in regard to the education system. He expressed himself utterly opposed to any scheme for raising the school age, lowering the standards, or charging fees in the higher standards, and considered (Shat tho Boards should be provided with sufficient funds to efficiently carry on their work. He opposed any proposal for the abolition of the Boards, which he considered clid good work. Is was true that in some cases the members of Boards allowed themselves to be carried away by political rancour, but a Minister who allowed himself in consequence to take up a position hostile to the Boards, should not hold office for a week. He supported the administration by Boards most cordially, and thought the Minister should then advise in regard to changes in details of the system. He dwelt at length on the suggested improvements in the syllabus and on the system of inspection.