CENTRALISATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17349, 14 May 1924, Page 10

CENTRALISATION.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT METHODS. 'Special to the “ Star.”) BLENHEIM, May 13. After several years of increasing unrest and dissatisfaction with the methods of the Education Department, a crisis has occurred in seconiiary scliooi government circles, and practically the whole of the secondary school governing authorities are in what might be termed a state of revolt. The Marlborough College Board of Governors is involved in the general condition of discontent, and indignation which is prevalent at the present time, and has agreed to associate itselt with a movement by which it is hoped to clear up the long-standing grievances which the boards have with the department. Livelj- fears have all along been expressed that the department has had steadily in view the centralisation- of control of all matters educational, and, by regulation and Order-in-Council, has allegedly been sapping the strength and power of the local boards. Now thoroughly aroused, the boards intend to combine and show a determined front to the Minister for Education, and compel him to realise that he must abandon utterly that purpose, which they allege is his secret aim. *

This topic was introduced to yesterday’s meeting by way of a circular, in which the Director of Education (Mr J. Caughley) sought to draw the attention of all education boards, high school boards, and technical school boards, to certain regulations governing the application for and expenditure of grants. The terms of the letter were not conciliatory, indeed its official note bordered almost on orusqueness. At any rate, it was decidedly unpalatable to Mr E. H Penny, the board’s chairman, and he indulged in a few bitter remarks. “The department would seem to think that we are not only a lot of incompetents.” he asserted, “but far from attempting to help the country, we are wasting its very substance. This circular is adding insult to injury. It is intolerable that a body of men the equals of—if not the superiors of—the men who are advising the department, should have to put up with this sort of criticism. It would be a different story if we failed to observe reasonable regulations. Then we would merit censure, but this sort of thing has gone too far.” Mr R. McOallum agreed with the chairman’s remarks. He thought it was about time this sort of thing was exposed.. He suggested that the letter be forwarded to the Hon. C. J. Parr himself, and he be asked whether circulars in such tones were issued with his knowledge and sanction. The board passed a resolution to this effect.

At a later stage the board received a circular from the High School Boards’ Association advising that a conference would be held in Wellington on May 28 for the special business of consideration of the Government’s attitude towards the secondary governing boards, the growing practice of government by regulation of centralisation of control in Wellington, and the deprivation of control by the boards. It was stated that fifteen boards had so far signified their intention of supporting the big movement. They were Auckland Grammar School Board, Nelson College. Napier, Ashburton, Palmerston North, Otago, and Hamilton School Boards, Canterbury College Board (Christchurch Boys’ and Girls* High Schools), Timani, Whangarei, Wellington College and G’rls’ High School Board, Gisborne. Wa.no-a.nui, Dannevirke, and Waitaki High School Boards. The. board also received * circular letter on the same subject from Mr A. P. "W. Thomas, chairman of the Auckland Grammar School Board.

It was resolved, on I>r Redman’s motion, “that the board heartily endorse the movement already initiated, confirm the protests of hoards, and appoint a delegate to thee conference.”

The chairman was appointed to attend the conference; with power to select a further delegate if such were allowed.