EDUCATIONAL AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 289, 2 September 1919, Page 3

EDUCATIONAL AFFAIRS

CONFERENCE OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES' ASSOCIATIONS £3,000,000 VOTE ADVOCATED . A conference representative of school committees' associations in various parts of the Dominion was opened in tho Education Board rooms yesterday afternoon. Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., who was a delegate, was voted to the chair. Mr. A. G. Wallace (chairman of tho Wellington Association, which convened ■the conference) welcome,] lite delegates. He explained that the object of the conference was to discuss matters essential

to the advancement of education' generally. The Empire had just emerged from a great war, ant! another r.reat war—a commercial one—would follow. For this the children of to-day would have to be equipped. The chairman moved: "That, with the view of promoting the jrener.il efficiency of primary education in the-Dominion, the Government be urged to increase the annual education grant to at least A 1,000,000."

M,r. Nash considered ihafc in the po6t education had been stowed. There w?re cries from nil quarters for new schools, Where were t'lie new schools to noma from if there were no money available? Wo had been able to find money for the war —why should we nni be able to find money for the purposes of education? With the consent of the conference, Mr. Nash added the following to Hie above motion: "That adequate salaries be paid to school teachers, in keeping with the importance of the profession, and that greater inducements lie given to young people to take up [he profession of school teaching." The resolution was adopted. The following remit was moved: "That, in order to make real the pretended power- given by sections 71 a.nd 72 of the Education Act. 101 i. to school commiile.e.s in connection with the appointment of teachers, the Government, be asked to make it mandatory upon a board to submit, in its order of preference, the names of all applicants capable of filling the position sough!; and that the Government be requested also to so amend the law as to absolutely prohibit appointment. by transfer, errcept where such is necessary by reason ov there being no response to repealed advertisements of the vacancy." « In the discussion upon the above remit, the chairman said that his committee, when it .received the name of only 0110 applicant, was in the Labit of returning the board's communication without comment.' "They make the appointment then." observed a delegate. "They make it whether we object or not." rejoined Mr. Nash. The remit was earned on a show of bands. A Paimerston delegate moved: "That a Federation of School Committees' Associations be form?d, to be nailed the 'Federated School Co'iniittees' Associations of New Zealand.'" The resolution was carried ununimously.. Messrs. ' Pickering, Rornblow. Le Grange, and White were nnnointfd a commit toe fo draw up a constitution for tho federation. The following resolutions were carried: "That an additional capitation allowance of 2s„ based on average roll number, should bo made by the Department for incidental expenses to school committees.'*' ■ ■ _ "That it is desirable that the Government should immediately take in hand the supply of all oriaiary school books and requisites free." "There should be an increase in the size of every school site to ive acres whore practicable; tho minimum area (o bo sufficient to provide for school gardens, shelter sheds, parade and playing grounds." "All expenditure for sihnol sites or ad- 1 ditions thereto, and for all buildings and shelter sheds, and properly constructed parade grounds, to lie provided by the Government."

"That teachers' remuneration be fixed according to (ho abilitr of the teacher rather than with regard to the grade of liis school, n"d. generally, that the pay be made sufficiently attractive to entlie most: able io enter the service and remain." "Thai; the Government be asked In do nil in its nower to facilitate the lioldins; of open-air classes in connection with on" schools.'"' "That Iho State should provide' free compulsory.medical and dental Ir-atniont for pupils attending public schools; thai the schepic apply io parents with a'i income of not more than .C 5 per week." "Thai no concessions end (or) su'-sidies-be granted to 1 any private schools." "An assembly hull shall form an integral part of all new frehool build'nirs." "That if any pdiieai!n:i.il legislation in that direction is contemplated, this conference strongly protests ngnin.-i any system of centralisation or other alteration of tho Education Act, whereby the present functions of school committees will be curtailed." The conferonce adjourned till this aftmaxa.