WHY POVERTY BAY?

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20915, 15 October 1942, Page 4

WHY POVERTY BAY?

VISITOR’S QUESTION EDUCATION BOARD WELCOME TO GISBORNE “] have wondered why the people of the district have allowed (he name of Poverty Bay to remain,” said Mr G. A. Maddison, chairman of the Hawke’s Bay Education Board, at a meeting of the board in Gisborne lasi, night, when a welcome was extended bv the Mavor. Mr N. 11. Bull, and the chairman of the Cook County Council, Mr W. G. Shcrratt. Mr Maddison suggested that the name should be Bountiful Bay rather than Poverty Bay. Gisborne had wonderful back country, as rich in production as any in New Zealand and the town was destined to become the great city of the East Const.

He added that the board members were impressed with the general appearance . and cleanliness of the town and what had been done here was a monument to the enterprise and initiative not only of the present councillors but also of those of the past. The farms were an enticing entrance to the town which, with its beautiful gardens and foreshore, made it a most desirable place. Tn extending his welcome to the board, the Mayor said that, looking round lie saw Mr H. S. M. (Quigley, Daimcvirke, who once taught him, and also caned him in the Gisborne Central School. The Mayor also congratulated Mr P. G. LOwis oil his promotion as senior inspector. He added that those who had elected the board'members had chosen wisely to take proper care of the education of their young people. In the hands of the board there was a sacred trust and that they were performing it well was shown in the improvements in the schools of the district and the gradual rise in the standard of education.

Mr Shcrratt apologised for the absence of Air A. A. Fraser, chairman of the Waikolm Comity Council, find .also added his welcome.

Mr Maddison, replying, said the visit was for the purpose of visiting as many centres of education as possible in the district for the purpose of implementing the board’s policy and determining what improvements were necessary. The Gisborne Intermediate School, architecturally, was the best in New Zealand. The cost of over £4(5,000 was fully justified in a. fundamental need for the better education of the children, not only in the academic method but in the practical wav as well.

In conclusion, the .chairman expressed his admiration of the diligence of Messrs. T. A. Coleman and .). 0. Musgruvo, the Gisborne town members, am! Messrs E. H. Bilker arid ('. R. Sninsbury, who represented the rural area, in (heir work ill education matters.

At the close of the meeting, the chairman said that the visit had been well worth while, and when circumstances permit the board should move round more.