SIR J. PARR.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1926, Page 3

SIR J. PARR.

FAREWELL A LESS AGE. [by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION WELLINGTON. April 23. Sir James Parr, in a farewell message to the teachers of New Zealand, stated yesterday that he was of opinion that a new sense of the real importance of the national system of ediu cation was being developed—a system which lie believed would equalise tho opportunities of all children, anil do much towards finding for them their true vocation in their post schooldays. "1 desire,” stated the Minister when speaking to a reporter, “ to address to the teachers of New Zealand a few words of farewell. This day of all days in six years since 1 took over tho portfolio of education is to me most full of feeling, for 1 have learned to love my work in the service of education, aiid to value many friendships which it has been my privilege to form with teachers iii schools throughout the country, and now I break with all these interests for good and all.” The last few days, he continued, had been lull to the brim with work and hustle, and now lie felt the wrench of parting. With regard to the work unfinished—lor, in his opinion, there was no end to educational experiments and progress—he was comforted by the thought that during his term of service some advance had been made, thankslargely to the generous support afforded by his colleagues in the Government and still more to the 'whole-heart-ed co-operation of the teachers. " f am. sure,” continued the .Minis-

ter, “ that we have developed a quickened sense of the real function and value of education. There is a newer and deeper interest in its basic aims and purposes, to tho benefit of tho courses of study and the curriculum of our schools and methods of teaching, fn this connection, the Junior High School luin. from the beginning, greatly appealed to me. It seems to me to he based on sound pedagogy and sound common-sense, and to afford better means for fostering true democracy, by giving hot It pupils and teachers a keener interest in their school work, and above all enabling hoys and girls to obtain a better preparation for post school life.” He believed a new sense of the real importance of the national system of education was being developed, a system which would equalise the opportunities of all children, by providing first rate facilities everywhere with true culture and differentiation of courses as the period of actual employment approached. If children could lie so educated that they, in after life., might find their true vocation and know how to enjoy their leisure time, then they would go far towards realising Buskin’s ideal, viz: “When men are rightly occupied then amusement grows out of their work, as the colour petals of a fruitful flower.” “We havemade a beginning,” added the .Minister. “ I leave the work in your hands. Upon you depends the destiny of the future New Zealand. I leave you, confident that your zeal in your high calling will enable you to carry this responsibility with tho same high, sense of duty as you have shown during my years of office.” SH! .). PARR SAILS. WELLINGTON, April 21. Hon. Sir James Parr yesterday resigned his various portfolios, and said good bye to his officers for the last time at any rate, for some years to come. lie took his scat on the Executive Council and was cordially larewelletl by his colleagues. Sir James and Lady P)ur left for London via Panama bv the steamer Rotorua this