GOOD CITIZENSHIP

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 257, 18 July 1918, Page 4

GOOD CITIZENSHIP

Tub retirement of the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken from the Wellington Board of Education will bo regretted by everyone who recognises the efficiency value of a wisely-planned and well-administered system of national education. "Efficiency" is just now a word to conjure with. It is on everyone's lips, but there is a tendency to give it too narrow a meaning. In the opinion of many people the word has no application outside of industry and commerce. Mr. Aitken has always insisted most strongly upon the importance of the utilitarian .side of education, but no one realises more fully than he does that character is the rock on_ which all true efficiency must bo built, By word and act he has striven to give practical expression to the ideal that a sound school system should fit children for life, arid not merely for earning a living. The high tributes paid to Mk. Aitken yesterday by his fellowmembers of the Board oE Education were well deserved. His chairmanship has been characterised by knowledge, enthusiasm, courtesy and tactfnlness, and stress was laid upon his high-minded impartiality. In the sphere of finance his guidance and advice have been especially valuable. As one of the speakers pointed out, his retirement will lie a loss not only to the city of Wellington, but also to the whole education district. Mit. Aitken has always kept before him a high standard of public duty, and his work as a member of the Board of Education is a. fine example of the best kind of national service.