PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Otago Witness, Issue 3384, 22 January 1919, Page 8

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

TEACHERS' PROTEST. An important motion discussed at Tuesday's se*fdon of the New Zealand Educational Institute's Conference was brought forward by Mr J. C. 'Webb (says the New Zealand Times). The motion was as fol-low-s : M That private schools be registered for purposes of compulsory attendance and inspection as regards the general quality of instruction end equipment and hygienic conditions, private schools shall not be examined and no certificates entitling r,o public privileges shall be issued to their pupils." Mr Webb said that the State was beginning to lealise at last that it was using its powers to fester the growth of * system that imperilled the national system. Thero must be some disadvantage that the ohild in the private school must suffer, otherwise the State system would be at a disadvantage. Was it strengthening the national system to allow the private school to be visited by the State inspectors to have tha Statr* imprimatur put on the work done there? The aim in a democracy such as the dominion was to use every effort tobring about as speedily as possible the day when creed and class distinctions were to disappear. Then they would have a democracy in every sense of the word. . Mr M. Malono (Grey) said that the latter portion of the motion was very unwise at the present time. It would be a much wiser step if the inspectors were to visit denominational schools to see that the standard of education were kept up. If people were allowed to send their children to these schools then "they should have the right of taxpayers and have their children secure the benefits of school inspection. If pupils attending private schools were denied leaving certificates then they would be debarred from entering the public service. Mr A. J. C. Hall said the motion as drafted would not be effective, as the pupils in private schools could sit for examination in State schools. He moved that the motion bo referred back to th,e executive. A Member: Tk>u mean leave it over till next year. e Mr G. Lippiatt supported Mr Hall's suggestion. Mr L. F. de Berry said that the matter was of such moment that it should be dealt with right away. The danger was growing every day by bodies attemptintr to bring about disruption In the national system. If somo defh.ite stand were not taken then the

publio would think that the institute had not the courage or did not ewe to go on with the matter. He would go even a step further than the motion proposed. The Government should say to these private schools, "We are, going to insist that your schools are well built and well ventilated." He hoped that Mr Webb's motion would be carried as it stood.

In reply to a question, Mr Parkinson said the average attendance at private schools was 16,429. Mr Hall's amendment was lost, and the motion passed with one dissentient.