Retrenchment in Education

Waipawa Mail, Volume X, Issue 1022, 14 December 1886, Page 3

Retrenchment in Education

A number of writors now dovoto their attention to pointing out tho necessity for retrenchment in tho Education expenditure of tho colon}', ono says :—“ The whole system is extravagantly managed, and has in fact assumed the character of a luxury which tho State cannot afford to pay for. The complete abolition of school fees was a grave mistake committed at the launching of the system, and though it may now be impracticable wholly to retrieve the blunder there is yet no necessity for the State being called upon to provide for any children free education beyond tho fourth standard. Tho instruction furnished within that limit will equip all tho j'outh of the country for performing their duty ns intelligent citizens ; and, beyond that limit, tho teaching ought to bo charged for on a scale sufficient to cover the cost. In tho course of a brief period tho expenditure in connection with this department will reach tho enormous figuro of half a million annually ; and, unless tho taxation is to bo very much increased, tho colony is simply in the position of not being able to find money.