TO ADVANCE EDUCATION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 1, 26 September 1919, Page 6

TO ADVANCE EDUCATION

PERMANENT ASSOCIATION FORMED What was described a; an important step in the advancement, of education in the Dominion was taken at last night's Bitting of the conference of education boards, when a proposal was brought forward by Mr. V. Pirani (chairman of the Wanganui Board) to form an Education Boards' Association. He moved a motion to this effect, "for the purpose of furthering the interests of good educational government, making representations to the Government, disseminating infermation of use to hoards, exchanging opinions, and deciding upon the holding of conferences."

■Speaking at some length, -Mr. Pirani said Hint such an association was necessary in order to combat any encroachments on the powers and rights of tho boards. If the boards were to lie hampered and harassed in directions where there was no.need, Uien.it was time they look up n stand and expressed their opinion in no uncertain voice. Mr. Pirani vigorously criticised the Department i' altitude towards the boards. Personally he thought that the tine would come when the Government would have to permit the people being taxed for educational purposes. If this matter were put straight to the people it would Ik found that they would support the hoards in raising; loans. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. TrimbeX (Tnrnnaki), and supported by several speakers, was unanimously adopted.

Mr. T. Forsyth (chairman of the Wellington I'Vlucfltion Beard) was then elected first president of the association. It was decided that the, executive be com-l'ri--.cd of one member from •each board district, each hoard to nominate its own vt-ni'fsentativc.'

Mr. G. L. Stewart (secretary of the Wellington Education Board) was appointed secretarv to the association, which, it wa* resolved, 'should meet annually during the session, the first conference to be held at Wellington.