TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 241, 17 February 1911, Page 2

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

PROGRESS AT WAXGAXUI. By Telegraph. —Press Association. Wangamii, Wednesday. Hon. George Fowlds this afternoon laid the foundation stone of the new Technical College, a fine two-storeyed brick structure, which is to cost £IO,OOO. In introducing Mr. Fowlds, the chairman of the Wangamii Education Board (Mr. Fred. Pirani) gave an interesting resume of technical education in Wangamii, which, he contended, had shown more self-reliance, and received less Government support (so far as technical education was concerned) than other centres. Dealing with 1009, a sum of £ 20(18 was collected in fees, as against £IOO4 in Auckland, £0 in Wellington, £134 in Xorth Canterbury, and £2S4 in Qtage, In the matter of capitation. Auckland earned £OOO less, Wellington £7OO less, North Canterbury £12!)0 less, and Ota go £2522 less. The local contributions exceeded the centres as follows:—Wellington £B3B, Xorth Canterbury £74:), Otago £lll9. Auckland contributed £972 more than Wangamii. The Board had only received from the Government during the past twenty-one years £3.")00 for technical buildings and apparatus. The old site of the school had now been leased, and was bringing in a revenue of nearly £IOOO per annum. Hon. Fowlds, in the course of his speech, said Wanganui's self-reliant policy was most commendable, and provided an answer to those critics who considered the Government should undertake the initiation of technical and agricultural instruction, and provide the whole cost. He was of opinion that the Government, should not be asked to give assistance for technical and agricultural instruction until it was shown that sufficient local interest existed to nrangc reasonable attendance at classes. While lie wn* Minister of Kd neat ion he would help those who tried to help themselves.