PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16320, 8 January 1921, Page 14

PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

EFFECT OF STATE SYSTEM

[Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON. January 7. Among the remits discussed at the Conference of the New Zealand Educational Institute was the following:— “ That a committee be set up to report to the executive by May 31, 1921. on the undermining of the national system by private schools/* Mr H. A. Wilkinson (Buller) moved the remit, which lie thought necessary for the protection of State schools. During the last five years, since private schools were registered private schools had l*een increasing three times as rapidly, and the attendances at them also had been increasing three times as rapidly as public schools, and their attendances- It seemed to him that a firm stand should be taken. He would be prepared to refer the question to the executive. provided a remit earned at the conference two years ago was re-affirmed- The question of tree carriage of private school children on the railways ought to be considered. Tins was taking away bread and butter from those who were connected with the State school system. In ono place State school children were accosted in rhe street and invited to concerts that were for the benefit of private schools. There was an instance in which half the performers at such a concert were State school children. Mr H. Oldham (Marlborough) seconded the motion. No other delegates spoke to the remit, but it was carried. The resolution carried two years ago was: “ That private schools be registered for the purpose of compulsory attendance and for inspection as regards general quality of instruction and equipment and hygienic conditions. Private schools shall not bo examined and no certificates entitling to public privileges shall be issued to their pupils/*