STATE SCHOOLS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20465, 9 July 1936, Page 13

STATE SCHOOLS

UNIFICATION OF CONTROL NORTH ISLAND IN FAVOUR By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, July 8. A visit with the object not of giving opinions on the desirability of changes in the administration of the education system but of seeking them was paid by the Minister of Education (Hon. p. Fraser) to the annual conference of the Education Boards’. Association which opened to-day. Mr Fraser, after outlining a scheme for the unification of control of primary, secondary and technical education by bringing them under the direct administration of Education Boards In defined districts, invited the comment of the various authorities represented. The opinions expressed by several speakers revealed that nearly all the North Island boards favoured unification, while on the other hand South Island members regarded it with suspicion. “I have said on many occasions, and you will cordially agree with me, that schools are not in existence for the benefit of teachers or Boards but simply for the benefit of the child,” said Mr Fraser. "That is Just as true to-day as when Christ took children to Himself 2000 years ago. lam going to ask you to give reasons why the Boards should continue at all. I want you to show why, out of your administrative experience, the Board system is better than central administration. Alternately, we have waves favouring centralisation and localisation. The question should be frankly faced by all of us. Then there is the question whether Education Boards, either in control of their present geograhpical areas or of lesser areas, can effectively take over the administration of education to the post-primary school stage." The Minister said that one of the questions to be considered was whether the proficiency examination should be retained. Another was whether the schools leaving age should be raised to 15 years. If that were done then postprimary education would have to be extended. Further questions then appeared, "Why have division of control?” and “Could not the Boards now administering the schools administer all forms of schools in their areas?"