DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1924, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

BY TELEGRAPH—-PIIESS ASSN’., COrYRIGnT. EDUCATION CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, November 20. A conference between officials of the Education Department and chairmen and secretaries and architects of education boards was opened in Wellington this morning, Air J. Catighlcy presiding in the absence of the Minister. The director referred to the benefit that had resulted from the conference held last year and expressed the hope that further good would result from the present proceedings. No doubt more would he done this year to reduce the size of the classes. He hoped soon there would he no classes of more than sixty pupils. The number of pupil teachers was being so rapidly reduced that soon there would he none left, but under the proposed amended regulations he hoped the position would he changed.

Further proceedings are being con ducted in committee.

The conference discussed the basis of representation on education boards and it was decided to ask the Government to bring in legislation providing for a more even distribution of legislation.

General approval was expressed of the principle of consolidation of small schools. It was .suggested that a more liberal allowance should he made for conveying children to school.

Tt was further decided to urge the Government to provide allowances in cases whore the children ride on horseback.

MAORI LAND CASE. CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 28. Several hundred Maoris will be assembling at Kaiapoi during the next •few days in connection with the hearing by the Native Land Court, of the famous Ngaiinhu claim for £351,000 against the State as a result of the purchase of South Island lands from the Alnoris. The case opens on Dee. 19th.