TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160730, 17 August 1920, Page 2

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 16. A statement was made to-day by the Minister of Education touching a resolution circulated among local bodies which embodies a protest against local authorities being asked to provide funds for technical education. “I have asked for a Departmental report on this matter,” said Mr Parr. “I find that as a matter-of fact actual monetary contributions made to technical schools by local authorities amount in the aggregate to less than two per cent, of the total expenditure on schools, so that at present local authorities have very little to cry out about. Certain local bodies, however, have provided sites for technical schools, iu one or two cases purchased bv special legislative authority out of loan money raised for that purpose. Prior to last session of Parliament, there was no provision for grants being made by tho Government for sites for technical schools, reliance in this respect being placed entirely on local bodies. 'The Education Amendment Act of last session provides for the appropriation of public moneys for that purpose. The present Act makes provision for the appointment of managers . for technical schools, and encourages local bodies to make contributions to the funds of schools by allotting representation to the contributing bodies in proportion to their contributions. The object of this is not so much to relieve the public purse as to enlist the sympathy of contributors on behalf of technical schools. Contributions in comparison with fjjie total State expenditure are somewhat insignificant. These provisions have been found to be unsatisfactory, and I am now considering proposals with a view of amending the Act so that the representation of local authorities on Technical School Boards shall not altogether depend on the proportion of contributions. “I quite recognise that*the burden of education should fall on the Consolidated Fund as a general rule, but where people arc keen as they arc in many centres, to help their technical schools, it is well that there should be Legislative sanction' for voluntary effort, and I do not propose to withdraw the present right to contribute if thev think fit. It is, of course, entirely permissive and not compulsory—quite' within tho discretion of ,thc local authority. Tho Department will continue to welcome practical support for technical schools in which the work done is governed largely by local conditions, and the object is largely to satisfy local needs. Many centres recognise the value to tho district of * giving their local tradesmen a sound grounding in the principles of their respective trades, and they have voluntarily helped ns with sites. Ido not propose to forbid this attitude.”