EDUCATION AND' NATIONAL EFFICIENCY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3126, 3 July 1917, Page 7

EDUCATION AND' NATIONAL EFFICIENCY

Sir,—As convener, of tho conference- of directors of technical schools, which, has recently been held . in Wellington, I should like to express to you my deep appreciation of the manner in which, you have given publicity to our deliberations. It is, therefore, with all the more reluctance that I have to ask you to be good enough, to.correct tho expression conveyed in your leader on tho above eubject in so far as it relates-to the attitude of tho Minister of Education towards our deputation, wbich waited upon bim on Saturday last. The impression that I gathered from the interview was that Mr. Hanan was entirely sympathetic to our suggested reforms. In fact, hn at once promised to go carefnlly through tho resolutions submitted to him and wherever possible by means of regulations, to bring about tho, desired changes. : He pointed out, however, that, he could hold out very little hope of thero being any chango "in tho Education Act this session, as' Cabinet had decided to deal only with war legislation.'and that ho was afraid that educational matters would not be included by Cabinet under that heading. I feel sura that Mr. Hanan. realises us much as we do that changes in our educational system as suggested by us are of tho greatest national importance, particularly in view of the commercial developments that will take place at tho end of the war, and if only ho is supported by Cabinet and tho raombors of Parliament, there is no question but tbat our recommendations will be given effect to. It is proposed to spend largo sums nf money in the Old Country to bring about educational reforms, and I cannot but believo thai; it' the wishes of tho peoplo of New Zealand artf taken into consideration lhat.tbf. Minister will bo Toted all tho inoiioy ho requires.—l am, etc.,

GEORGE GEORGE.. "Wellington, July 2, 1917. [Wo quite agree with Mr. George, us to Mr. Hanan's sympathies being with those who are working for education reform, and said so in our article. Tho disappointing feature of tho Minister's reply from bur point of view was his acceptance of the idea that Uio chief reform urged "by tho deputation should stand over until after the war; whereas the feet is that tho war lias shown it to be an urgent necessity.]