EDUCATION ECONOMIES

Southland Times, Issue 21658, 21 March 1932, Page 5

EDUCATION ECONOMIES

COUNTRY CHILDREN EFFECTS OF PROPOSALS. The effects of the proposed economies in the education system on the facilities available for country secondary school pupils was outlined to the Southland Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union at its meeting on Saturday by Mr C. A. Stewart, Principal of the Southland Technical College. After Mr Stewart had explained the. position, the executive passed a resolution that the executive viewed with alarm any move which would adversely prejudice the chances of country pupils. Mr Stewart said he had no authorisation to represent any body in addressing the executive and he admitted that he was an interested party, but he said he did not think he would be doing his duty unless he explained to the farming community exactly what effect the economy proposals would have. The Southland Technical College was supported by country pupils to a greater extent than any other similar institution in New Zea—alnd. Of a roll number of 580, two-fifths of the pupils came from the country. The first economy proposed was a reduction of the senior free place term to 17 years instead of 19 as at present. This would affect 26 pupils of the college on this year’s roll of whom 16 were from the country. This position would probably be more serious in the evening classes. He wished to make it clear that he was not discussing the merits or otherwise of the proposals, but was merely detailing the circumstances.

The cancellation of all free railway travel was another proposal, said Mr Stewart. A total of 160 pupils travelled to Invercargill to attend the 'technical College and a number also travelled by rail to the city to attend other schools. The economy involved was said to be £50,000, but as at the present time the Education Department paid the sum involved to the Railway Department, there would be really no saving beyond a book-keeping entry from one account to another unless the parents agreed to pay their children’s fares. A reduction in the roll number would affect the number of staff employed and the variety of work taught. The president: And create more unemployment. Mr Stewart agreed that this would be so among youths, and certainly a number of teachers also would be affected. There had been many economies effected already, the maintenance grant for the school, outside salaries, having been cut down since last year by 46 per cent. In regard to the award of senior free places, the department had hitherto accepted the recommendation of the principal in granting these, but now it was proposed that every candidate should sit for the senior free place examination. If this were done, not more than 10 per cent, of the candidates from the college could be expected to pass this year as a large percentage of the students were not prepared for “bookish” examinations, but for practical work in spheres for which they showed aptitude. In addition, an entry fee of 10/— was charged for the examination.

Mr Stewart was warmly thanked for his address and on the motion of Mr John Johnston it was resolved: “That this executive realizes the necessity of economy, but views with concern any move which will adversely prejudice the position of country pupils.”