“CULTIVATION OF TASTE”

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1931, Page 5

“CULTIVATION OF TASTE”

PLAN TO RAISE SCHOOL AGE

OPPOSITION OBJECTS TO COST DEBATE IN HOUSE OF LORDS LIMITED EDUCATION PERIL By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Feb. 17. Moving the second reading of the Schoo! Age Bill in the House of Lords, Lord Ponsonby described itj as a‘small-step forward' on the educational ladder and an attempt to break down a barrier which for many generations had been purposely preserved in order to keep workers in subjection through ignorance. (Cries of “No; withdraw!”)

Lord Ponsonby did not believe that the Opposition was really • opposed to the 'principle of raising the school age. “The expansion of education has produced the Labour Party, and. that is why you hesitate to carry it further.” Lord Hailsham, moving the rejection, said that the only motive was that stated by Mr. Philip Snowden (Chancellor of the Exchequer) in his House of Commons declaration that, however - desirable -reforms might be, the country could not at present afford them.

The Archbishop of York regretted that. Lord Hailsham had taken his lead “from the rising, hope of stern unbending Tories who was at present Chancellor of the Exchequer.” The main principle of the Bill was the raising of the school age. If they rejected the Bill it would be inferred that the Lords were opposed to that principle. “By the age of 14 people have begun to read,” said the Archbishop, “but the cultivation of taste has net begun. It is true that the greatest social and political periodical is the cheap newspaper and the cause thereof is limited education of people. If they have no education they cannot read and if they have more they will not read those papers. As it is we condemn them to be victims of such an influence.”

The Bishop of London, supporting the Bill, claimed that the Anglican Church had been the pioneer of education in England for centuries. At present churchmen were paying £lO,OOO weekly for it. People must be educated. The debate was adjourned.