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Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1927, Page 2

Turku are some grounds for believing that a check to the increasing cost of the educational services of the Dominion will be applied this session. The Minister of Education (Hon R. A. Wright) has been under the necessity of preaching economy almost from the moment lie took over the portfolio and one of his difficulties has been the meeting of commitments made by his predeessor. It has been rumoured that the Education Boards will he eliminated and the administration confined entirely to the Department. Ii is not likely, however, that the economy proposals will go so far, since it is agreed that even with their limited functions the hoards do work that is worth while. Where the cut may lie felt is in relation to what the Minister recently termed the frills of education. It is stated in certain quarters that grants for hostels may he reduced and that the sanction of -the Department to the extension of schools by the inclusion of additional subjects in the eurictila will he with-held. There has been a growing practice of technical schools in the cities and in the larger centres, for instance, extending their courses until they are practically competitors with the high schools. This may he stopped. I’he Minister, however, declines to commit himself at present, and says that any report concerning liis intentions is premature. No doubt what is being heard just now is something of a feeler, to guage the trend of public feeling. As to the main issue there is no doubt general agreement that the cost of education has soared far too high. The imposition of ‘‘frills” as they arc .styled has been a most expensive burden, and has added enormously to the general cost. Something must he done to reduce the genra-1 cost of public administration which is now beyond a reasonable amount. No doubt the education note witl permit of curtailment hv cutting out many extras which have from time to time been piled on the taxpayer f" ' the benefit of the few. while tho many ‘ have had to pay. Some relief along the l lines indicated is certainly overdue. '