EDUCATIONAL POLICY CRITICIZED

Southland Times, Issue 23548, 30 June 1938, Page 13

EDUCATIONAL POLICY CRITICIZED

FORMER HEAD MASTER (Special to The Times) AUCKLAND, June 28. Criticism of the Government’s educational policy was expressed by Mr C. T. Major, a formei’ head master of King’s College, Middlemore, at the annual reunion smoke concert of Waikato old boys of the college held in Hamilton.

The view that much of the trouble in the world today was due to loss of traditions, and the value which should be placed on them, was expressed by Mr Major. Certain European nations had lost their traditions, and as a result did not care what they did. England passed through the present stage of Europe 300 years ago. "We have precious little tradition in New Zealand and that is fast disappearing,” said Mr Major. “We have no anchor. In education all tradition is being tossed over. It was started in 1900 when Mr R. J. Seddon made a grab at the secondary schools of New Zealand. It is a scandalous thing tnat this Government should turn loose all the men who have controlled our great schools and made them what they are today.” Mr Major said the Government would centralize all education in Wellington; boards of governors would go, endowments would go, traditions would disappear and there would remain nothing but a party system of education.

“If this mob gets back to office it will be the end of sound education in this country.” concluded the speaker.