WORKERS’ EDUCATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 January 1921, Page 5

WORKERS’ EDUCATION.

THE SENATE’S CONTRIBUTION. FIXING THE BURDEN. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The University Senate discussed a motion by Professor T. A. Hunter: “That the grant of colleges for W.E.A. purposes be divided among them in proportion to the populations of the university districts.” At present, he said, the amount to be distributed by the Senate ( £1200) is to be divided equally amongst the four university districts for W.E.A. purposes, and the Government has allocated a further £5OO to each district. The arts and commerce committee were of opinion that the £l2OO should be divided in proportion to the population of the districts, and members had agreed that the needs of some districts, on account of their wide extent, were greater than those of others. Professor J. C. Adams moved an amendment that the matter of the application of the grants according to population be referred to a committee. This was seconded by the Rev. Dr. Cameron.

Mr. H. F. Von Haast said it was obviously fair that the more densely populated districts should receive proportionately more than sparsely-settled centres. He suggested the Government should subsidise public contributions to the W.E.A. funds in each districtThe Chancellor (Sir Robert Stout) said it cost twice as much to teach a child in a country district as in a large city centre. Therefore, if grants were made on a population basis, country schools would suffer. He would like to see the matter reported on by a committee. The amendment was carried by 12 votu