EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16142, 21 February 1918, Page 7

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

appointment of new SECRETARY. The position of Secretary to Education Department, which has been vacant for some time, has been filled by the Public Serrico Commissioner by the appointment of Mr Alexander Bell, M.A.

.Mr Bell, who is a native of tho flcraldino district, is 46 years of age, ;md has had nearly 30 years' experience in important positions in almost even* department of tho education scrvice. As a pupil in primary and secondary schools and as a university student " Mr Bell gained many prizes and distinctions, including Education Board scholarships, tho «ohl medal as dux of tho Timaru High School, a university senior scholarship, and the M.A. degree with firstclass honours in mathematics and mathematical physics. As a teacher he had experience in all classes of primary schools, and gained rapid promotion, his last appointment being that ol headmaster of the Timsyu South school. He was appointed inspector at tho age of 28. He was for over eleven years a teacher, thirteen vears secretary and inspector to the South Canterbury Education Board, nearly two years secretary to the Southland Education Board anu High Schools' Board, and three years in the head oflico of the Education Department. About five years ago Mr Bell was selected from a great number of applicants for the dual position of secretary of the Southland Education Board ami High Schools' Board, an appointment that was recognised as_ the most important educational position in the province. for the secretary was the Board's chief executive officer and controlled all its business and administrative work. Three years ago he relinquished his position in Southland for an appointment in the head office of the j Education Department in "Wellington. |