EDUCATION REFORM

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1929, Page 3

EDUCATION REFORM

HON. MR, ATMOItE’S VIEWS. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May 13. An important statement was made to-day by tlie Minister of Education before tlie New Zealand Educational Institute. He was not, lie said, in favour of an expert being given administrative power. While ho had capable advisers round him it did not mean that lie would follow their advice on every occasion. He bad not the slightest hesitation in indicting the education system on the grounds it was too academic. There was indoubt the system was a survival of the »times when education was a thing for the sons and daughters off the wealthy. There was the fact to-day that, while 95 per cent, of our annual production conies from the land, 9) per cent, of our education effort goes in the direction o! fitting the boys and girls for town unemployment. The unemployment in New Zealand was to-day largely the result of our education system. He were taking the brightest brains from the country into the cities. He had come to the conclusion that an alteration must be made. He considered the two portfolios of Education and Agriculture should be the two most intimately Connected. His hopes, therefore, were that there would be a strong agricultural bias in the new system of education. The social status of the farmer must; be raised. The education system wou’d have to lie more practical than in the past. Part of his, programme of re-organi-sation would" be a unification of the local administrative bodies in the various districts, and a unili-ation also of the sectional teaching bodies employed in .tlie primary, and technical schools. There was not tlie slightest intention of hurting any of the (i * lea cliers.