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Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1927, Page 2

, ’I lIK expenditure on education In New r Zealand has increased by about I II) per cent, in the last ten years. The Hon. R. A. Wright informed the Council of Education at Wellington that in 1916-17, the expenditure - was approximately £1,7.30.000. In 1921-22 it as £3.-162.811, while for 1926-27 it would amount to about £3.993,C90. Building pingrammes during the eight , years since the war had contributed towards the increased expenditure, The | amount lor buildings over that period was £3,600,000 or an average yenr- , ly expenditure of at least four or fiv* times that prior to the war. Next, there had been a large expansion in post primary schools. .It was inevitable that exiieuditure must increase in that direction. Post primary school pupils had increased from 9000 to 21,000 in 10 years, and that increase would continue. Another point to be remembered -was the tremendous increase in the actual cost of building. hat could be erected for £.IOO in 1911 now cost almost £IOOO. “As far as we have been able.” said the .Minister, “we have been pursuing a jxflicy of acquiring land for school Tini,filings ahead of requirements. We have boon endeavouring, as well, to replace some ot the old and worn-out buildings. There is no doubt”, continued .Mr 11 i ight. that some of our primcirv sell or il classes are too large. That means more accommodation is needed m order to give relief. 7 have been anxious to try to conserve the money voted by Parliament for education, without impairing efficiency in order that some of tlios reforms can be .carried out. I am sure the Government is not anxious to cut down the c,|„ cation vote.” The secondary school course of instruction required revision to meet the demand for more nractical instruction which would Irrive a more direct, hearing on the life of the Pupil. It would he impossible to avoid waste in salaries until the increased accommodation necessary could ho provided .