ECONOMY IN EDUCATION

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1930, Page 13

ECONOMY IN EDUCATION

SUBSIDIES CURTAILED. Thai the Education Department is economising wherever possible was made evident by letters received by the Taranaki Education Board on Wednesday, announcing the curtailment of subsidies, the reduction of the maintenance grant and showing the necessity for economical administration. Under date of August 5 the Director of Education notified that until financial conditions improved subsidies on voluntary contributions would not be payable on lawn mowers, garden tools, duplicators, rubber mats, typewriters, pictures, garden seats, ornamental ground improvements such as ornamental trees, fences, etc#, equipment for hot drinks, gramophones and records and swimming baths. Subsidies of £1 for fl would still be .payable for fuel, water rates, library books approved by senior inspectors, fences and gates of an inexpensive type, grontid improvements necessary to make the grounds suitable for games, etc., infant material. Tennis courts (10s for £1) would be considered on the merits of • each case. Mr. P. J. IL White remarked that it was interesting to note that practically everything had been cut out of the subsidy list except those items that should be regarded by- the department as its responsibility. Why should the public be asked to contribute to pay for such items at water rates arid fuel? The Education Board must guard against utilising its own funds to provide subsidies in cases where the department had refused a request. Dr. Thomson expressed, regret at noting that subsidies on.j equipment for hot drinks were being cut; out He thought

hot drinks were essential, especially in the case of young children. The chairman agreed that they were a vital part of school hygiene. Mr. P. J. H. White thought. the department should grant subsidies in cases where the application had been sent in prior to the date of the circular. It was resolved that the department be asked for an assurance that all applications for subsidy submitted prior to August 5- would'be honored in view of the efforts made by the committee and the assurance given. It was resolved that all committees be circularised regarding the department’s communication in connection with the curtailment of subsidies. The secretary reported that several committees had applied for subsidies some time ago and' had . made no effort to claim them. It was resolved to communicate with tile committees concerned. The South Tarapaki School Committees’ Association wrote protesting against the department’s attitude in refusing subsidies before notifying committees of the change of policy. They thought that applications made before the financial stringency should be treated on the previous scale. It was resolved to forward a copy of the letter to the department. The Education Department wrote drawing attention to the necessity for economy in administration during the present year while the Dominion was passing" through a period of financial difficulty. While the Minister did not wish the board to take any step that would seriously impair the efficiency of -the schools he asked the co-operation of the board'in curtailing expenditure on non-essential'storks and activities and to consider any suggestion made with a view to economy! .There were

works which while desirable were not so urgent that they could not be post* poned for a year or two, and administration costs might also be reduced, aa might also the expend?— - e on maintenance. Notification was later received that the board’s maintenance grant had beer reduced by 12 per-cent. It was resolved to assure the depart* ment of the full co-operation of the board. It was resolved to.establish a household school at Aorangi, half-time, with Roto school. The Aukipae' school will be opened as a full time grade 0 school after the term holidays. A letter was received from the Fitzroy school ‘committee stressing the necessity for increased capitation for schools. At present the only way they could manage was by "sweating” th© caretaker, the letter said. It was resolved to forward a copy of the letter to the department and to th© ' Minister, Mr. Jones said the position was.diffleut for the larger schools. West End was in the same position. Tho secretary considered that it would be interesting to prepare a return showing the average cost over tho last few years for heating, lighting and cleaning the larger schools. Notification was received from tho department that it was proposed to pay ordinary capitation plus half thezcxcess cost (provided the parents pay the balance) of conveyance of pupils, from Sheet Road! The parents interested ar© to be notified accordingly. September 19 was fixed as the date /for the election of members of technical high school boards in the Taranaki district. Permission sought by the Latter Day ' Saint© to distribute pamphlets in the - schools was refused.