CAPITATION GRANTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1039, 1 August 1930, Page 10

CAPITATION GRANTS

INCREASE IMPOSSIBLE THIS YEAR

QUESTION OF FINANCE

From Our Resident Reporter WELLINGTON, Today.

That is was impossible to increase the capitation allowances to school committees this year because, without going again to the taxpayer, there was not sufficient money for the purpose, was the statement made by the Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, to a deputation from school committees which waited upon- him and the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore, yesterday.

In introducing the deputation. Mr. R. McKeen. M.P., said the conditions under which the school committees were working were going from bad to worse. Many committees were unable to carry on any longer. Mr. Atmore said the question was entirely one of finance. The position was that <£50,000 was required. The reorganisation as a result of the Education Committee’s report would make more money available, and it was possible that portion of that money would be used in meeting the request of the deputation. He was unable to make a definite promise, as that was a matter for the Minister of Finance. The Prime Minister said unfortunately the state of the country’s finances would not permit any additional expenditure on education, as increased costs would mean an additional burden on the taxpayer. He would have to say that this year it waa impossible to meet the request.