EDUCATION POLICY

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1929, Page 1

EDUCATION POLICY

EXPLAINED BY MINISTER.

WELLINGTON, August 27

Roplyihg to'a deputation from the New Zealand Educational institute to-day, the Hon H. Atmore said that the majority of their requests involved extra cost and, although many of them might bo expedient and equitable, it would not be possible to carry .them out straight aavay. With regard to superannuation, lie did not agree with the opinion of the Hon W. Downie Stewart that it made no difference whether the Government put its contribution into the funds or not. The Prime Minister had stated that an inquiry would be made into the state of the funds, and no doubt that would be an actuarial one. He assured the teachers that their representations would be carefully considered at the proper time.

He did not seo any possibility of increasing allowances to school committees. The Government was faced with the necessity of making up a deficit of £577.000, plus, probably half a million which it worth! be necessary to spend to make good earthquake damage. The education vote would not be decreased in any way. but there was little hope of its being increased.

Ho looked forward to being able to place primary and secondary schools on an equal footing, even in regard to the salaries paid to head r masters. An endeavour was being made to remodel one school in each district, but it was not possible to carry out that programme and at the same time to meet the requests made for new schools.

When the Education Act was con-

solidated next year, the right of appeal would be granted. He could see no reason for witliolding it, and he <[id not think it would be abused in any way. . . He agreed that it was not desirable to control the education system by meaps of regulations, but, until the Act was consolidated, it would be necessary to have a certain number of regulations to meet cases which could not be dealt with under Statute lawt