SCHOOL PROBLEM

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19371, 8 July 1937, Page 14

SCHOOL PROBLEM

MAORI AND EUROPEAN POSITION AT KAIKOHE MINISTER STATES AIMS ( Statements that there are conflicting interests at times in the education of Maori and European children were made to the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, by a deputation representing school committees of the distric which wailed on him at Kaikohe. Various problems regarding the consolidation of schools were also placed before him. One of the main questions raised by the deputation concerned cases in which two or three European children have to attend schools which are predominantly native, and it was stated that these children would benefit under a European consolidation scheme. One speaker urged the complete separation of Maori and European children during the primary education stage, but added that Maori children should be strictly required to attend district high schools after completing their primary education. He complained that money was wasted on scholarships in sending Maori children to native secondary schools. Neeed for Tolerance

Mr. Fraser said it was impossible to approach the question purely from the viewpoint of one particular district. The Government intended to have regard for the people everywhere, for their feelings and their institutions. A proposal to abolish native education scholarships would mean tearing up by the roots something that had been given to the Maori children since the time of Sir George Grey. “It would be a tragedy if any bad feeling is worked up between the Maori and the pakeha in the matter of education,” the Minister continued. “I would even say that if the Maori enjoys advantages which may appear to be illogical, the European should regard them with tolerance. In many respects the root of the native problem to-day is economic, but, with proper education, allied with manual and technical training, it may be overcome.”

Consolidation Question

The. Minister added that a case ap peared to have been-made for the consolidation of Europeah primary schools in the district. With regard to native education in the primary stages,, it might be desirable to develop the system of village schools, but tne indications were that Maori and pakeha should be educated together in postprimary schools. In this fashion the European could possibly assist in the proper development of the natice race, particularly as manual and technical work might offer to the Maoris a new outlet for their talents.