THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1930, Page 2

THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION

VISITS TO SCHOOLS. VALUABLE UNIFICATION OF CONTROL. WELLINGTON, December 8. The Minister of Education, the Hon. Harry Atmore, had a busy day on Friday last. He left Wanganui in time to visit the Turakina School at 9.30 in company with Mr J. T. Hogan, membei for the district, and Mr W. A. Collins, chairman of the Wanganui Education Board. The Minister received a warm :welcome from Mr Conder on behalf of |flfe'School Committee. Air Collins said 'he admired the Alinister for visiting the various schools in order to see conditions -for himself. It was a step m the right direction. Air Hogan also referred to tlie Alinister’s intense interest in education. The Alinister addiessed the children. Three rousing cheers were given the Minister prior to his departure.

The South Makirikiri School was next on the list, after which Air Atmore proceeded to Mnrton. At tile Alarton District High School the Alinister received another hearty welcome, from Air Strawbridge, chairman o' 1 the committee, and from Alessrs Hogan and Collins. ' The Minister addressed- the children and announced for the information of the committee that lie intended to visit the district in February in order Jo giye an address on the Education Report. j At the Alarton Junction School Afr Gron, chairman of tljo committee, welcomed the Alinister. Air Hemplemnn. the head master, assured the Minister of their whole-hearted support in connection with, the bringing into force of the recommendations contained in the education report.

After lunch the Alinister • proceeded to tlie Bulls School, where residents turned out in large numbers. Air Campion, chairman of the : committee, expressed the pleasure it gave the committee, parents and children to have a visit from the Alinister. Air Linklater, ALP., for the district, said Air Atffiore’s was a. very big task and he was doing his work well. After speaking to the children the Alinister was entertained to afternoon ten by the residents and gave a brief address on the education repprt. ..... ‘The Alinister also visited the Alaori Girls’ College when at Alarton and thoroughly enjoyed listening to beautiful Alaori songs, He was received in the customary Alaori way. He addressed the girls and also inspected the building.

At Palmerston North Mr Atmore received a deputation from the Women’s branch of the New Zealand Farmers Union in regard to the girls’ Flock House, which institution he also visited. A; visit was made to the West End School, In the evening Air. Atmore delivered an address and presented the pifiaes at the Technical College break up, Air Rutherford, chairman of tha board, expressed appreciation for what the ALhister had done for the school and for Ids great interest in its welfare, Education Above Politics.

Air'J, A, Nash ALP. (Reform), said he wished tp associate himself with the welcome to the Alinister, The Alinister was a very busy man and a hard worker, He was pleased to hear the Minister remark on unification of control, For some years tlie high schools and Technical School in Palmerston North had been controlled by the one board. There was complete harmony, and they were proud of what had been achieved, Palmerston North had. set an example which might well be copied in other placed. From a political pbint .of view he and Air Atmore. were in opposite camps, but lie wished to acknowledge publicly that he had received the utmost consideration and goqd treatment at the hands of the Alinister in connection with all school requirements in his district, The Alinister had remarked that education was above party polities and he very heartily agreed. Air Nash moved a vote of thanks to the Alinister and this was carried by acclamation. On Saturday morning the Alinister left Palmerston North and visited tlie boys’ Flock House. Air Atmore addressed the boys and also made a thorough inspection of the buildings and farm. The Alinister then returned to Wellington and in the afternoon presented a number of diplomas at the opening of the new club house erected by the Alaranui Surf Club,