FARMERS DISCUSS EDUCATION

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 September 1946, Page 4

FARMERS DISCUSS EDUCATION

NOT ENOUGH BEING DONE FOR COUNTRY SCHOOLS

PARTY PROPAGANDA SENSED IN DIRECTOR’S LETTER

Cries of “party propaganda” greeted the reading of a lengthy letter to the Wanganui Provincial Executive of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc.) last night On rural education advancements during the past' ten years. The letter, which originated from the Director of Education, was forwarded by the Dominion secretary of Federated Farmers, who asked for criticism and suggestions, and that the matter be treated as urgent.

The letter stated that it had been the Government’s policy to do its utmost to bring the education of country children up as near as possible to the standard provided for town children, giving due regard to the special requirements of the needs for those living in the country. The letter dealt comprehensively with a variety of topics, ranging from correspondence schools, the country library service and increased board allowances to consolidated schools.

As the outcome of a lengthy discussion it was decided to recommend greater discretion in the selection of books for the Country Library Service, and that greater attention should be given to back country schools.

“Facilities have certainly improved for the town schools and the larger country schools, but the conditions for back country schools are still poor,” stated Mr- A. J. Larsen. “I will admit that the correspondence school is an excellent scheme—in theory—but the conditions in the back country schools still need lots of improvements. The correspondence schools are good, but let us take some of the teachers away from the town schools and let parents in the town teach their children by correspondence and see what it's like,” Mr. Larsen added. OBJECTION TO BOOKS Objection to the class of books stocked by the School Library Service was expressed by Mr. A. Winter. All the books were American, and some of them’had definite criticisms of the British Empire. That sort of thing should be stopped. Mr. J. H. Donnelly: I agree with you there.

Perhaps the difficulty in obtaining books from Britain during the war accounted for this, Mr. A. R. Laird suggested- Communistic propaganda was being put out from ihe W.E A. and should be watched. He expressed concern at the drift from country to town, and said something should be done to give town children an insight into country life, for many of them, if they knew what farm life really meant, would want to go out on the land. He had made such a suggestion to the Department of Education, but they had turned it down. “We don’t know definitely if there is correct literature in the libraries,” stated Mr. V. Horrocks. “It may be that the children prefer American books.” He suggested that only classics be stocked. It was explained that school committees had a say in the selection of the books, and so a motion was passed requesting a greater preponderance of British books.

“That we appreciate the progress being made in education, but we feel the towns are advancing at the expense of the back country,” was a motion presented by Mr. Larsen and seconded by Mr. E. T- Hine. “We must be fair, for some of the town teachers have to teach over 40.“ stated Mr. E. B. Chisholm, when it was suggested that teachers from town schools should be sent to country schools. Mr. Larsen: Tn country schools, before an assistant can be appointed, there have to be 35 children, so there is no comparison, for teachers of large classes in the towns have all pupils of the one standard and not varying standards, as in the country. Mr. McKenzie considered that if country teachers were paid higher salaries part of the difficulty would be overcome. An amendment was moved by Mr. I. F. Carter, “that the statements are [grossly exaggerated and that this executive takes strong exception to the Director of Education putting out party propaganda.” The seconder was Mr. HorrocksMr. Larsen: We are a little biassed calling it propaganda, for it. is n statement of fact. “I seconded Mr. Carter’s amendment because I did not like the way the statement was presented.’’ said Mr. Horrocks. “They ask us for criticism, then why all this skite?” Mr. McKenzie: AH the statements in the letter are correct. “If it had come out. a year ago we wouldn’t have taken any objection to it,” commented Mr. Winter. “The general standard of education is lower now than it was ten years ago.” declared Mr. Donnelly. Mr. Winter: Particularly in English. “The letter stated that ‘the Government's policy has always been' and not ‘the department's policy’.” nointed out the secretary, Mr. A R. Donaldson. Mr. Carter's amendment was modified to read: “That this executive considers that statements On improved facilities in country schools ar? grossly exaggerated, and that exception is taken to Federated Farmers being used for party propaganda." The amendment was lost four voting in favour and two not voting, giving the “noes” seven. Mr. Larsen’s motion, amended to read: “That while appreciating the work bein' 5 ’ done for education, this executive feels that more could b' done for back country schools," was canned unnnimouslv. M”. J. IT. Donnelly <Wa : marino) presided ovrr Messrs. I. F. Carter (Ohakune), K p. Chisholm (Wanganui), I K. Monk (Okch), A. -T. Larse i (Waveriey). J- Currie (B’-uns-v.iuk), A Winter (MnxweH). B. McKenzie (Kai Iwi), J. W. B Trine (Ford-ll) (). B. H.iwken (WaneaeIm), V Horrocks (Mak'Vikiri). E. T. Hine < Man ama.huH. R Morgan (Fvrdoll). A. R 1. d unera). with the secretary. Mr. A. R. Donaldson, in attendance. reported having recent 1\ inspected the deviation on the upper reaches of the Mangawhero Stream. This, ho said, had deepened as a result of the heavj rains of last month.