THE CONTINUAL CHANGES OF SCHOOL BOOKS.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, Volume 1, Issue 22, 30 August 1901, Page 2

THE CONTINUAL CHANGES OF SCHOOL BOOKS.

The eon tin'.al change of school books is a q iiesiion that affects -every parent throughout the colon}', and w& have repeatedly advo ated that the Education Department should insist on a uniform set of books being used. in the public schools throughout the colony, The question was recently . brought under the notice of the Minister of Education by Mr, Monk,' M.H.I-., with a request that instructions should be issued for a uniform set to be. used after March next. The Hon, Tlall-Jones remarked that defi= nite instructions would be an iuter= ference with the rights of . Education Boards^ but, st the same tme the Minister quoted from a eireularlssued in 1.899, showing that it was the desire of the Depart ment to do all" in. its power to bring about the end advocated by Mr, Monk, It seems to us that the Minister's reply is tantamount to an acknowledgement that Mr. Monk's suggestion was a sound aad logical one, and undoubtedly it is in the interests of both parents and soholars; but, forsooth, because the Boards prerogative is to select the books for the several districts which they control, the Avrongliiust be perpetuatedE If it *~~ is in the best interests of education that a uniform set of books should be used throughout the Colony (and the Minister has acknowledged that it is desirable), it behoves the Government to bring about the desired end, even though legislation has to be passed to accomplish the end, The greatest good for the greatest number should be the par .mount consideration, and not the prerogative of Education Boards. It is high time that the Minister of. Education took a decisive stand in the matter, especially when it has been proved that suggestions are dis? regarded.