Education.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3566, 1 June 1880, Page 3

Education.

Mr Kelly, M.H.K., speaking at Taranaki on the above subject, said :—" There ia one large item of expenditure which is attracting much attention throughout the Colony—that is the Education vote. His Excellency the Governor has referred to the system of education, and has expressed his views very clearly. He expressed a very strong opinion that it was too costly. The cost of education for the last year was £263,000, and buildings, £181,000, making a total of £444,000 for the year. It is certain that in the present state of, the finances of the Colony this rate of expenditure cannot be continued without adding largely to the debt of the country. I am not in favor of doing away with free education ! but it is a misnomer to call it free education when the people have to pay for it by indirect taxation. At the Bame time, I think we should be prepared to sacrifice a good deal before we do away with it. (Applause). Ido not believe in the present administration of the' education vote. The Government, having to obtain the money, should, I think, be entrusted with the expenditure, and not throw the'responsibility on. the Education Boards. I nrust not be understood as finding fault with the Education Boards ; but I say this, that as the Boards are not burdened with the responsibility of procuring the money, they are naturally more liable to be extravagant in the expenditure than the Government would be. Therefore, I think that, if the economy is to be real, the Government onght to be made directly responsible for the expenditure.