A NEW SYSTEM

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 91, 11 January 1919, Page 9

A NEW SYSTEM

-0 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE'S PROPOSALS FOR AN AMENDING EDUCATION BILL . The New Zealand .Educational Institute, at its annual meeting yesterday, adopted a remit from tlie executive sug'gesting that the institute proceed to formulate the principles and chief details that should be embodied in an amending Education Bill. 1 'l'ho executive put before tho meeting an outline of proposed improvements in the , education system,' thia outline being practically'identical withone published under the form of a bill in the "Journal of Education" for October last. Its purpose yesterday was to serve as, a basis for the discussion to be held, by the delegates. The following introduction prefaced Hie suggested clauses"The Dominion of New Zealand has reached such a stage in its development in respect of increase of population, • increase of wealth, increase in the complexities of and responsibilities of national and international life that .it has become .necessary to make such corresponding improvements in the education of the people as will enable them to meet the changing conditions of existence. Tho education system should take account of and make provision for: "(a) The health and sound physical growth of the nation's young people; "(b) Hygienic- conditions of schools, and suitable surroundings for them, with ample space for healthful exercise; "(c) Social and moral training to fit young people to become citizens > in the community: "(d) Scientific and technical training adequate to the industrial and commercial conditions and prospects of tho country; "(o) Intellectual and artistic culture for the enlarging of the life of tho individual; . "(f) Knowledge of the geography and of the history of our own, and other nations as a, foundation for a just appreciation of tho government under which we live and of our relations to other nations." Tho moving of the proposed clauses was left to members of the executive. Mr. C. R. Mirnro moved: "That it shall be the duty of the Education Board to establish schools in such areas as it thinks fit, or to close such schools as are deemed unnecessary." Mr. Eowntree and Mr. F. A. Garry said that they would be sorry to see the motion carried in such a bald and apparently meaningless form. They wished tho motion to convoy to tho ' Government and the public what the instituto considered a school should be. The secretary explained that the motion merely embodied tho words of the present Act, with tho addition of the words "or to close." Mr. Garry moved in amendment that after the words "establish schools" tho words "fully equipped on modern lines" should bo inserted. Ho thought that it would be a good idea if a small committeo wore formed to draw up° a statement of what the instituto considered to be an ideal school, in order that the public might be educated upon the point. Mr. Munro accepted tho proposed amendment. . The secretary said after the meeting had furl her discussed tho motion that the motion was, suggested as a mere "machinery clause" for the proposed -Act. Discussion then lapsed and tho motion was carried. A special committee was set up to report upon the building and equipment of schools. I At this 6tago the hour for adjournment arrived. The institute resumes business this morning.