ALONG MODERN LINES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 72, Issue 6238, 5 June 1946, Page 8

ALONG MODERN LINES

DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION STATEMENT BY 'PRIME MINISTER The development of education along the most modern lines and the rebuilding of all out-of-date schools in New Zealand were being continued now that the war was over, the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, sneaking at the opening of the new Paekakariki school on Saturday last. In the last year, about £7,500,000 had been spent on education“When the war broke out, our plans which were being- put into operation, had to be tapered off,” said Mt Fraser. “Not enough men or materials were available for that purpose—(they were engaged on military construction. However, I assure you, things will move now.” During the last 10 years, £53,000,000 had been spent, the . Prime Minister added. That was a lot of money, but education could not be a cheap matter for the country. “If we want cur children to get proper training, physically, mentally, intellectually, morally and spiritually we will have to pay it,” he said. “The returns make it worthwhile. Already the money spent in the last 10 years is paying a dividend.” Mr Fraser said the State could provide new schools, but it could not provide for better work being done in them, though the teachers would be °'iven a better opportunity. The school-building programme was a most necessary one, Mr Fraser proceeded. Since the war ended £1,000,000 had been devoted toward it. Even during the war thought had been given the matter. For instance, a very large military hospital had had to be built for the Americans at Auckland. The Government built it with an eye to the future. When the Americans evacuated the building, it was easy to convert to a modern school, and was now being used as such. He considered it a matter of fundamental and overwhelming importance that children should be given every opportunity possible. The early pioneers, in schooling their children, had not seen to everything, but nevertheless had done a magnificent job. He hoped those responsible today were doing as good a one. “We are not infallible and I know there is room for constructive criticism and advice given in good spirit,” he said, “but whatever else critics say, they will admit the system turns out wonderful children.”