THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20091, 21 November 1930, Page 10

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

REORGANISATION SCHEME. NO STEPS YET TAKEN. I-r.ZS3 j.bSOCIATICIT -ST.EO2AU.) WELLINGTON, November 20.

No stcpa have yet been taken to frame legislation to give effect to any of the recommendations of tho Rece«3 Education Committee's report, presented to Parliament last session, according to a statement by the Minister for Education- in an interview before ho left for the south to-day. Although every consideration was being given to tho report as it might affect the reorganisation of the educational system of the Dominion said Mr Atmure, his attitude at the moment was that it was before the country for appraisal and he preferred to wait until its import had been made quite clear before steps were taken to put into effect tho widespread changes advocated.

Mr Atmore said it was his intention to explain the report in various parts of the country before any action was taken. 110 had already addressed numerous meetings, and the report had been given a very good reception by members of School Committees, Education Boards and the public generally. The report had already been outlined to the Wellington District School Committees, and it was hoped to anunge a similar gathering in Auckland in the near future, when Mr J. A, Young and Mr P. Frassr, members of the Recess Committee, would probably be present. No Foundation. Attention was drawn to the opposition of some Boards to the proposed alteration in control and to the fears ex prossed that their powers would be curtailed if the Committee's report were enforced. The Minister said the fears of the Boards had no foundation. There would certainly be fewer Boards, but they would have extended powers. Mr Atmore said it was quite clear ther« was no intention to destroy local control. The policy of completely centralising the administration had not been approved. The Boards had appealed to local sentiment in stating that their powers were to be taken from them. In a recent circular letter sent out by the chairman of the Auckland Education Board to the School Committees of Auckland province, the statement was made that so far as administration was concerned, the Committee's proposals stripped of camouflage meant the loss of local control and centralisation in Wellington. That this was not intended was clearly shown in the report. Under the Committee's porposals the Board members would hold more dignified positions than they did at present. Existing Anomalies. The Minister said among other things the question of anomalies in the existing system of control would receive close attention. At present an inspector of schools received a lower salary than was paid to the princpial of a single school. For instance, the principal of a single technical or secondary school received £920 a year, while staff inspectors who inspected and reported upon his school received only £665 a year. Even chief inspectors, in charge of staff inspectors, received lower salaries than the principals referred to. In addition there wrj> a notable disparity between the salaries of Departmental and Board officers.. The secretary of the Department received £715 a year, in comparison with the following salaries paid ljv Boards for a, similar position,— Auckland . - SOO Wellington ■ . • . SOO Canterbury .. 725 Otngo • • * • Wanganui .. •• 790 Nelson • • • • 700 The Department's architect received n salary of £065 a year, other. Boards paying'their architects as follows: Canterbury • 675 Ilawke's Baj ■ • - ■ 715 Auckland • • - • '