SCHOOL-LEAVING AGE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 436, 18 May 1937, Page 6

SCHOOL-LEAVING AGE

MINIMUM AGED FIXED AT 15. Announcement By Hon. P. Fraser Press Association —Copyright. Wellington, May 17. An announcement that the school age was to be raised to 15 years was made by the Minister of Education, Hon. P. Fraser, when addressing the annual conference of the New Zealand Educational Institute to-day. The Minister said there was no difference of opinion regarding the question of raising the school age. The only difficulty was that of accommodation on the .one hand and the staffing of schools on the other. These matters were being considered at the present, time, and as soon as it was possible the school age would be raised to 15. That would not be the end. Because of the demand for boy and girl labour the question had brought with it very serious, problems. It was' futjle for the Government to extend the benefits of education and the possibility of further education if the

child were allowed prematurely to 'enter the field of industry. That question was receiving the closest attention. Though he considered that this aspect of the position was being exaggerated a little, thought it possible that certain industrial legislation passed with the intention of improving matters might be responsible. For instance, the basic wage legislation left to the Arbitration Court the fixing of the age, and the court fixed it at 21. “It is quite possible,” said Mr Fraser,, “that in some instances wheh boys and girls remain at school for a particular period and then enter some profession or industry at 21 years of age they cannot give service commensurate with the basic wage. The difficulties arising from that fact will have to be adjusted.” Mr Fraser said the object of every educationist must be to give boys and girls every opportunity of getting the best possible education from the kindgerated a little, he thought it possible the university. The Minister concluded with a. reference to the increased vote for education and said the Government was determined to find the money necessary for education and see it Was used to the best possible advantage. Its programme would be carried out as speedily as possible.