TECHNICAL EDUCATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10689, 8 September 1920, Page 6

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

" HAS NOT HAD FAIR DEAL"

CONFERENCE OF DIRECTORS OPENED BY MAYOR. .

The annual conference of directors and board representatives of technical schools throughout the Dominion was opened at the Education Board room yesterday afternoon. Delegates present were as follows: Directors and supervisors: W. S. La Trobe and T. E, Oresswell (Education Department), J. H. Howell (Wellington), J. E, Newton (Napier), A. Marshall (Dunedin), A. L. Moore (New Plymouth), R, J. Thompson (Ashburton), T. D. Opie- (Palmerston North), W. Fossey (Timaru), W. C. Morris (Hawke's Bay), W. 'R. Grant (Christ, church), J.' P. Kalaugher (Auckland), A. S. Tonibies (Westport), F. C. J. Cockburn (Nelson), W. G. Aldridge (Invercargill), G. J., Park (Wanganui), Miss M. A. Blackmore,' Miss A. B. Juniper (Auckland). Managers: W. C. Harley (Nelson), W. R. Riddell (Invercargill), C H. Opie, H. R. Rushbridge, B. Seth-Smith (Ohristohurch), T. Scott (Dunedin), E. F. Duthie (Dunedin), Mrß F. E. Baume (Auckland), Messrs W. H. Swahger,. O. PBrowne, L. R. Partridge, W. H. Ber/ nett (Wanganui), and W. T. Grundy (Masterton). -,■-<•.. , .' Mr T. Scott was appointed chairman. DELEGATES wILcOMED. THE MAYOR'S SPEECH. .The conference proceedings were formally opened by the Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke, M.P.), who extended a hearty welcome on behalf of the citizens of Wellington to-: the delegates from oth. or centres. Wo had arrived at a very important stage of our history, eaid Mr Luke, and in the interests of the nation, education was '.of greater necessity, than ever. Thero was a great deal <of criticism at the present time of Governmental methods in dealing with education. As a first, essential to education thoroughly efficient teaching staffs were required. He believed the teacher should hold the most exalted position in the realm —second only to the judge on the _ account of his influence upon the rising generation. It should not be necessary for the teachers to clamour for recognition; they should really be devoting their whole attention to the moulding of the young mind. The people of the Dominion ought to realise their-responsibility to the teaohers and put an end to the'strife that was going on between the teachers jnd the Government. TECHNICAL EDUCATION BY DAY. The. teacher, continued Mr Luke, was in such an important position thai he made an impression not only upon the children, but upon the community generally. A system had yes to be .olved by which the student at the teohnioal college should seciire his education and also be made an efficient factor in national defence. To his mind that was most important. One Should' be '?unprejudiced' by ' the other. The timehad come when the technical scholar -should receive his education during tho ordiary hours of the day instead of at night. A pupil who had to, work during the day and attend classes at night could not be expected to progress satisfactorily. He regretted that the Government had not made the response that was anticipated of it in regard to the 4 needß of technical education. Technical education had not had a fair deal, and ne hoped the conference would impress Parliament to the desired end of meeting 'their requirements, ' : " - '.OC&MITTEES' SETT /UP. -' Committees ■ were set-up by conference to report upon various remits on the order paper. The remainder of the business ; for the day was confined, to committee work. Conference will resume tha morning. ' • -