EDUCATION ECONOMIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1932, Page 6

EDUCATION ECONOMIES.

With the main issue, the abolition or retention of district education boards still undecided, the indications of the Government's policy afforded last week by the Minister of Education, the Hon. R. Masters, were robbed of a good deal of interest. At the same time there will be general approval of his attitude in that matter. The Minister has postponed his recommendation to the Cabinet in regard to them until the district authorities, primary and secondary, have conferred and submitted their views to the Government. Mr. Masters’ statement on Friday dealt only with the Ministry’s proposals in regard to primary schools. It may be said at once that they indicate a sincere attempt to minimise the effect of the economies that are necessary and to make them interfere as little as possible with primary schools efficiency. Finance will not permit of an increase in the teaching staff sufficient to reduce classes as much as would be liked, and certain special classes must be curtailed. On the other hand, capitation payments to school committees are not to be reduced aiid free conveyance by railway for pupils attending secondary schools is to continue. The closing of small country schools will not be general, but each case will be dealt with on its merits. The "rant for the provision of free books in necessitous cases is also to be retained arid that for training in. agricultural work is still under consideration. So far. as they go these suggestions evidently are framed with the idea of retaining as much of the assistance afforded country" scholars as funds will allow. The wisdom of thia is evident, particularly if it is hoped to reduce unemployment by a progressive scheme of closer land settlement. Until the question of administration has been settled and until the economies affecting secondary and higher education have been made public, the Government’s policy cannot be fully adjudged. Mr. Masters, does seem to have indicated that the primary schools are not to bear more. than a just proportion of the economies that are inevitable, and in this regard the Ministry is likely to receive general endorsement of its policy.