The effect of the depression on education in New Zealand

Abstract

The period of history under review it that generally covered by the term 'The Depression'. The years 1930 to 1935 ware extremely bleak years for many New Zealandere, years which most who lived through them would prefer to forget. Memories of unemployment, relief work, labour camps, riots and special police remain vivid. Men, women and children were subjected to the indignity of qusuing for food, clothing and fuel from charitable organizations, relief which was often available only after one had disposed of household goods.W.B. Sutch, Poverty and Progress in New Zealand, Wellington, Reed, 1969. pp. 222-3 Butter and wool prices reached an all time 'low' end many farmers walked off their farms. Children, although not actually starving, Evening Post, Wellington, 22 October 1930. The Nelson Education Board was assured that there were no cases of actual starvation among miners' children on the West Coast although many families were not very well off. Tomorrow, 24 July 1935, p.23. published a letter reporting on the home conditions of 28 Canterbury children. Twelve children did not have a hot meal daily, 24 did not have milk and 6 had no overcoat were often hungry and cold. At a time when most New Zealanders were preoccupied with basic, materialistic needs such as getting or keeping a job and providing food, shelter and clothing for their dependants, there were few who had the time, the money or the foresight to fight for more intangible causes like education.