SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S DEPUTATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1917, Page 4

SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S DEPUTATION.

Wellington, July 20

In putting forward a request for increasing the grant to school committees froin 6s 6d to 8s a large deputation representing school committee associations from many parts of New Zealand, gave the Minister of Education to under-, stand that these bodies were in such a state of financial embarrassment that many would resign it no improvement is made The deputation was accompanied by the Hon D. Buddo, Dr Thacker, Messrs Vigor Brown, W. A. Veitch, T. W. Rhodes, G. J. Talbot and W. J. Dickie, and introduced by Mr G. Witty.

The Hon J- A. Hanau replied that he was unable to commit the Government, but the requests would go before Cabinet with a view to consideration. As a result of examining Education Board’s accounts lie had found a state of financial administration which could only be termed drift. This : called ior remedial treatment.: When the Act was amended the board’s finances were improved, enabling larger, allowances to be made In view of the exceptional conditions be was prepared to consider a small additional grant. “ We find Canterbury complaining much more strongly than any other part of the country about this question,” added the Minister. ‘‘Other parts have been content with smaller allowances than the Canterbury Board gives its committees.

M-i T. W. Rhodes (Thames) : All parts of the country are complain ing. Deputatiouists : We are all in the same box.

The Minister concluded by suggesting that it would be a good thing .for the people to show an interest in school affairs. “ Selflielp has a lot to recommend it,” he said.

The members of Parliament present suggested that the Minister should give them a chance to discuss the matter in the House, when he would hear plenty of strong opinions.

Mr Witty declared that if redress Were not obtained tlie House would stick up the Estimates until it got what it wanted.