THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 5 December 1913, Page 4

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

Tile Education' Committee in the House of Representatives lias brought down an exhaustive report on the findings of the Education Corflhiission that took evidence a year or two ago. While we do not concur with the decision of the' Education Committee on all points, we believe that many of its recommendations are worthy of close consideration by the Minister. The proposal to set up a National Council of Education is one that we have previously advocated in these columns, and that has much to recommend it. The suggested reduction in the number of Education Boards will meet with general approval, but the proposal to retain the present system of election |by School Committees will not bo j viewed with satisfaction. At least every "householder," as defined in .the Education Act, should be given a Vote in the election of Education Boards. The recommendation \ for a Dbminion. scale of for Inspectors is, a wise one, and few will disagree with tlTe suggestion that the number of Inspectors should be. subject to the approval of the Minister. The appointment of a Director of Education, who shall be responsible to the Minister, seems to, us to be unnecessary in view of the proposal to establish a National Council of Education. The Government is asked to bring down a comprehensive measure- next .session, dealing with teachers' salaries, and wo have no doubt that, in view of what has transpired during the last few months, this advice will be taken. The proposal to pay capitation on the average weekly attendance is a good one, as is also that to increase the payment for country schools. With the question of agricultural high .schools we deal elsewhere, l'aken on the whole, the report of the Education Committee gives evidence of a very searching investigation of the whole subject, and a desire to place the education system of the Dominion on a more satisfactory footing. '