INTERVIEW ON EDUCATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2309, 23 January 1892, Page 3

INTERVIEW ON EDUCATION.

Wellington, Jan. 20. A deputation waited on the Minister of Education, bringing under his notice certain matters discussed at the recent meeting of the Educational Institute in Christchurch. The first subject was the irregularity of attendance of pupils and its effect upon the requirements of the syllabus. The deputation said that if the compulsory clauses of the Act could be enforced it would be a good thing for the . teachers, parents and children. They thought that in large cities a truant officer should be appointed, that the police should be so appointed, as they do the work in smaller centres. The Minister promised to look into the matter and give it every consideration. The next point referred to was the present method of electing boards and committees, which the deputation considered cumbrous and unsatisfactory, laying great stress on the inequalities of representation. The Minister was anxious that the Act of last session should have a fair trial before any change was proposed. Replying tq congratulations from the deputation respecting the syllabus Mr Reeves said that he was opposed to perpetual tinkering, but any real grievance or real improvement would receive every consideration at his hands, and he would be glad to hear from the Institute when the syllabus had been in operation for a year. With regard to the annual examination for a pass the Minister pointed out that the new syllabus gave great discretionary powers to teachers. The deputation drew attention to the need for training colleges. The Minister said there certainly should be one or perhaps two training colleges for the whole colony. Any representation from the institution on this subject should come as a distinct recommendation, and they should furnish particulars of their views. The deputation then referred to the inadequate salaries paid to teachers in some parts of the colony The Minister replied that this was a matter for the Boards. With regard to the publication of school books Mr Reeves declared that it was a question which would have to be approached very cautiously indeed. The deputation suggested that a conference of inspectors to discuss the syllabus would be very desirable. The Minister agreed, but reminded the deputation that the inspectors were officers of the boards. The interview then ended.