JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS.

Wairarapa Age, 21 March 1929, Page 5

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS.

MINISTER’S REMARKABLE CLAIM COST OF SCHEME SAID TO BE NEGLIGIBLE INVERCARGILL, March 20. Objections to the introduction of the junior high school system into Southland were voiced by a deputation from rhe Gore and Invercargill school committees and the Gore and Southland branches of the Farmers’ Union which interviewed the Minister of Education (the Hon. H. Atmore) to-day. The Minister, in reply, said that he was pleased to have met them as so many misconceptions existed as to the need for alterations. Objections were raised to any alterations in the primary school system, but a radical change was necessary, as the interests of a great mass of children were concerned. He had been 1 in touch with education for a long time in all its forms. Cost ‘was cited at the principal objection to the introduction of junior high schools. If it were detsired in Southland that no change should be made, the matter would be held over to a later date. It was obvious, however, that some change was necessary. In the North Island he was besieged with ‘applications for junior high schools, so that it was difficult to understand the attitude of those who were against any change. New Zealand wta-s at present behind the Old Country in matters of education, although for some time previously it had led. The people were paying for post-primary education today, and although the nation was gaining, country people were not getting the benefits they should get if a change were made. The matter of cost in connection with the introduction of junior high schools been gone into carefully and the last report he received stated that the entire eoist of the new system would he found to be neglible. The Minister stated that many who formerly were bitter opponents of the scheme were now among its heartiest supporters.—((P.A.)