INSTITUTION. HOME

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 212, 2 June 1921, Page 5

INSTITUTION. HOME

Sir,—l have read with interest ihe controversy in your columns on th® above heading. To the lay mind the so-called experts’ views sound quite all right, but he proves his weakness in quotations and a dazzling list of figures. It sounds all very well to quote a man. such as Dr. Barnardo; but we must re-. member that a man of Dr. Barnardo s intelligence could carry into operation a scheme to bear out his point of aigument. I have travelled right through New Zealand, and visited many institutions, and to my mind nothing compares with the Salvation Army lioines at Putaruru and Temuka. If the Minister of Education would visit these places nnd then pay a really "surprise” visit to a Government institution, he would see a marked difference. When I say a • real "surprise” visit, I mean tho Mims- : ter should drop in without the know- > ledge of the chief of the special schools’ . Department’s knowledge. The Minister, of Education is working at a great dis- ’> advantage; taking the reins after the Coalition Government, as wo all know ; that education took tremendously re-* trograde step during their term of office, Inoro especially the branch that is supposed. to care for unfortunate children.— < I am., etc. ONE WHO KNOWS THE INNERWORKINGS.