EDUCATION REFORM.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3530, 17 July 1920, Page 3

EDUCATION REFORM.

COMMITTEE’S SUGGESTIONS. WELLINGTON, July 15. Various aspects of education reform reviewed by the Conference of Associated School Committees, were placed before Mr Massey and Mr Parr by a deputation this morning. The Premier said the Government appreciated the good work of the school committees, but finance was a handicap in the way of the suggested reforms, and as Finance Minister the burden was on him. Mr Parr was a particularly enthusiastic Minister, and Mr Massey feared that though Cabinet was sympathetic, the Education Minister’s requests would have to be curtailed. Dealing with the request fo extend grants to £3.000,000. he said he was not sure that this amount was not now being extended In support he instanced the increased expenditure in 1919 of £1,214,327, to 1920 of £2,436,378, which showed that the amount had just doubled, yet requirements were still gcing on. The capitation grants in the same period increased from £48.000 to £BO,OOO. Mr Parr, in reference to the request for increased grants, stated that he was examining the balance-sheets. Those so far adduced showed that small and moderate schools did not utilise the grants, while items in the larger would require explanation. The free bock system whs previously in vogue, but parents were prejudiced against the idea of using secondhand books. -The regulations at present provided for free issue for indigent parents on application to the headmaster. He proposed '’to bring about standardisation of books when the paper market was easier. Next January he anticipated having 1500 recruits to the profession to meet the teaching shortage and ill-staffing. The extension of age would be brought before Cabinet. He regarded this as the most important measure of the conference.