SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22070, 28 September 1933, Page 10

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

DOMINION FEDERATION PROPOSED. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 27. A proposal that the various school committees’ associations should form_ a national body to be known as the Dominion Federation of School Committees’ Associations is being considered to-day at a conference of delegates. Mr F. W. Ongley (Wellington) is in the chair, and 13 delegates are present representing the Auckland, Canterbury, Otago, South Canterbury, Southland, South Taranaki, and Wellington Associations, In extending a welcome on behalf of the city, the Mayor (Mr T. 0. A, Hislop) expressed the hope that as a result .of their deliberations the matters that would come under the control of the delegates would be advanced. Replying, Mr Ongley said he felt it would be a step in the right direction if the federation were formed. As a result of the discussion on the proposal to form a national body it was decided that the boundaries of the district associations should be defined oy the executive of the ■ Dominion Federation after consultation with the existing local associations affected. The affiliation fees were fixed at £3 Ss per annum for associations with 40 school committees and £2 2s for associatigna with fewer. The former will be entitled to two votes and the latter to one. It was also agreed to establish a delegates’ travelling expenses fund by a levy of 2s per committee. The conference passed a number of •remits affecting educational matters. The wider development of district high schools in rural and semi-rural areas was urged. A resolution was also carried—“ That the deficiency in the education system caused by the withdrawal of the kindergarten subsidies and the exclusion of five-year-old children should bo repaired at the earliest moment by the institution of a kindergarten department at each primary school where children of kindergarten age may voluntarily attend.