CONTROL OF SCHOOLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1935, Page 4

CONTROL OF SCHOOLS.

The announcement by the Minister of Education, the Hon. S. G. Smith, that he is in favour of the retention of school boards and school committees as part of the administration of the Dominion’s education system is likely to meet with general approval in Taranaki. A good many people would like to see decentralisation of authority carried further than it exists at present, and particularly that better financial provision should be made for the duties entrusted to school committees. The committees were intended to be the link between the parents of school pupils and the education authorities, and it must be admitted that in this province they have done a good deal in that direction. With very limited funds committees have set themselves the task of improving the surroundings of school premises, the provision of playing areas, and the organisation of such services .as the supply of milk and cocoa to children requiring better nutrition. Speaking generally, the teachers have found school willing to assist in any movement for the improvement of the schools, and the relations between the committees and the education boards have been quite cordial. Knowledge of local circumstances and conditions is of considerable value in the good administration of any national service, the aim of which must be to avoid parochialism or over-cen-tralisation. There have been strong appeals for a centrally-controlled education system, and in some directions there is something to be said in its favour. It is satisfactory to note, however, that a Minister who has had long experience of local administration is convinced that it is entitled to its share in the wise control of the schools.