Alleged Discourtesy.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1922, Page 1

Alleged Discourtesy.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION CRITICISED. | DUNEDIN, Dee. 12 J In respect to a number of resolutions which were passed by School Committees protesting against tho curtailment of their powers and which were forwarded to tho Department by tlio Otagoi Education Board, a letter was received by the Board this morning from the Director of Education (Mr J. Caugltley). One paragraph of Mic communication stated: Concerning the resolution forwarded

by tbe Tokarahi School Committee intimating the resignation of its members since, in their opinion, they have I outlived their usefulness, I have to state that if this is really the opinion of the committee,_ then they are evidently acting in the liest interests of the school. In the opinion of the Department, the opportunities for usefulness by a good School Committee are almost- unlimited under the existing conditions and regulations. Scores of instances could be quoted in which School Committees are doing magnificent work for the welfare and benefit of the schools concerned. It rests entirely on the initiative of the School Committee whether or not it can find any useful work to carry out on behalf of the school. Air A. E. Lawrence said lie desired to take the strongest exception to any Director of Education writing a paragraph of that kind. The Tokarnhi Committee, with other committees was dping its best for education. School Committees were giving their time, their talents and money ill the interests of the schools, and wore at least entitled to courteous treatment from the Director of Education. He. desired to make the strongest possible protest against what be regarded as “an offensive paragraph in an official communication.” The Chairman: Anything further to say, gentlemen ? Hr Lawrence: In view of that paragraph I don’t think there is anything

else to say. The Director has disclosed his hand there. The chairman said the Department seemed to be doing its best, to do away with the usefulness of School Committees. -Mr Horn : They will he very sorry for this some day. Mr Lawrence: The Department protests that it is not doing away with decentralisation, yet all the time it Is doing away with local interest. It Was decided to bring up a resolution on the subject at the meeting to-morrow.