Legislative Assembly

solidation to take a look at our present High Schools and the setup hero to see if some consolidation might not be desirable in this area as well. The desire to examine the High School setup is not new by any means. I note in the report of the Depart- ment of Education, a report that covers the period of 1965-1966, and covers the re- gime of the honourable member from Second Prince. I was glad that the Leader of the Opposition today emphasized the fact that all these reports cover the period 1965 to March 31, 1966. In this report I find a statement like this from one of the senior officials working under the then Minister of Education. “While we recognize the recent advances in High School education, at the same time it is necessary to have an eye to future developments and be willing to change our ideas towards education. In this connection I would recommend that consideration be given to con- solidation of small High Schools. These schools have given, and are giving excellent services, but it must be realized that they find it increasingly difficult to provide staff and diversity of training that High Schools are required to give today. There are at least two areas in the province where consolidation of three or more High Schools is feasible. New and bigger High Schools could be provided and the present

buildings would serve admirably as elementary consolidation.”

We, Mr. Speaker, when we assumed office, had something of the same idea and in view of that we have been looking at these areas to see if possibly some consolidation might not be beneficial. We feel that all students in all High Schools in the province are entitled to a wide choice of programs and a greater diversity of curriculum than they are getting at the present time. Unfortunately, it has been suggested in some areas that we are trying to take something away from the High

Schools. Nothing could be further from the truth. 0n the contrary we are very anx- ious to provide them, all students on the Island with something better than they

have been enjoying in the past.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I do not know how strict and rigid the rules are with respect to adjournment.

Walter R. Shaw: How long have you to go Mr.? Honourable Gordon L. Bennett: I have not very much longer to go, I would

say if you would give me five or ten minutes more I would have finished about all I wish to say.

Walter R. Shaw: I think you better take five minutes and we will call it. . . . Will that be all right?

Frank Myers: Mr. Speaker, would you permit me to ask the Honourable Min- ister one question please?

Honourable Gordon L. Bennett: Just one, Sir?

Frank Myers: I don’t wish to hold up proceedings. Speaking about the Re- gional High Schools is there any danger of we out in Crapaud loosing our Englewood

High School? In place of elementary?

Honourable Gordon L. Bennett: I would say as I said a few moments ago for the benefit of the member from First Queens, that we are looking at these High Schools in the province, particularly the smaller High Schools to see if we can’t divide them with something better than they have been receiving in the years gone by. This is no reflection on the people who have bn giving the instruction, or reflec- tion on the students who have come up through these schools, but we have an ex-

nding curriculum, expanding demands, which can’t always be met in small High chools, and I would leave it to you, Sir, to classify your school whether it is a small

High School or a large High School.

Frank Myers: I may say, Sir, it is one of the best. (Laughter).

Honourable Gordon L. Bennett: I will not argue that point.

My last topic, Mr. Speaker, has to do with higher education. One of the educa- tional topics which has been discussed provincially, and indeed throughout the nation,

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