A SCATHING CRITIC.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16144, 23 February 1918, Page 4

A SCATHING CRITIC.

4 — EDUCATION DEPARTMENT' ' CONDEMNED. On "Wednesday night the "Wanganui Education Board received a report from the chief inspector (Mr T. B. Strong), that ten of the largest schools in the district are overcrowded, and the dis"ussion turned on the repeated failure of the Education Department to meet educational needs.

"I do not think there is a more disgraceful department in.the New Zealand Public Service."' said the chairman (Mr Fred Pirani). ''Its administration is rotten from top to bottom. I cannot speak too strongly. It is a mass of incompetency from head to foot. Take this instance! The-Depart-ment told us twelve years after wo had made application for a school that thoi had sent an inspector up, and tho chill dren were not in the district. Recently tbev referred us to a certain section of the Act, and on looking it up wo found it had nothing to do with tho matter in question. It had no moro reference to it than that door over there. AYliat could you think of a department like that?" A member : The same as you do. Mr Pirani: The position is unbearable. Take the Raetihi ease! Wo wiinted a piece of land for the approach to the school residence, as .there was no approach, except on the map. AVe got, tho apnroval of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, but the* .Education Department objected, and said tho approach was big enough. Somebody m the department had looked at the map. A member (sarcastically): Apply for an aeroplane! The chairmhn : The best thing would be dynamite, or a heavier earthquake than we had last night. The whole system is wrong. The Minister has no power to make an appointment in liis own department. Appointments there have to be made by the Public Service Commissioners. It is really a matter for the electors and parents, but the more they aro concerned the less interest they seem to take. Tho E'ejurtment is the greatest, stumbling block to education in New Zealand. Sonic of the teachers claim tho Boards should be abolished, and I would like them to have a tan to of tho Department. •MV Collins: T don't think wo can go on likp this. "What about a resolution from tho Board? Tho chairman: "Waste pap°r! Until j we get education separated from poli- j lies we will rfever liave a decent system in Now Zealand. A member: Isn't there a Council of Education ? The chairman: They take their advice—when it suits.