SCHOOLS OF MINES

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1932, Page 6

SCHOOLS OF MINES

NONE TO BE CLOSED. WELLINGTON, October. For the current financial year, at all events, there is no intention of adopting the National Expenditure Commissions recommendations for the closing of two of the Schools of Mines in New Zealand. The expenditure for the year is outlined in the Estimates, and this shows no reduction beyond that effected by the Arbitration Court’s general order. The Hon. C. E. Macmillan is a firm believer in the value of the schools. “I think they a re extremely useful and have performed- a very valuable .service to the community,” he said this morning. “Mining is here to stay, and it .would be absurd to expect young New Zealanders to have to go outside their own country to pick up sufficient knowledge of mining to qualify them as mine managers and battery managers, and the ramifications of the industry requiring certificates. Furthermore, it is necessary to have several of these schools in New Zealand in order to save parents the expense- that would be involved if their children had to be educated distances from home. “These schools also have to be attached to thp districts where the mining is operating,” continued the Minister. “The expenditure is quite a reasonable item; It provides for post primary education, which is extremely valuable, and as a result of the training we have turned out any amount of men who have obtained appointments in New Zealand and outside.”