SCHOOL BOOKS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1932, Page 6

SCHOOL BOOKS

THE CONTRACT DEFENDED. * AIR FORBES REPLIES. WELLINGTON, September 30. Declaring that the renewal of the school text-books contract was sound business, the Prime Alinister (Rt. Hon. G. AV. F’orbes) replied to the criticism of Air FI. S. IS, Kyle (C.-, Riccarton) ..during the■ Address-in-Reply debate in the House, Air F’orbes also defended the position of the Minister for Education ... (the Hon. R. Masters), whom lie described as one of the ’ablest men in public life to-day. “Right through his-address Air Kyle seemed to take up the attitude that 'the renewal of the-contract was quite a mistake,” said Mr Forbes, “He was in a rather- querulous mood when lie discussed it, but I know him and that is his. usual way. I can Say that the contract was based on. sound business lines, and will prove a great help to parents throughout the country.” ■ Mr Forbes went on to- say that the contract for the supply of text-hooks bad been made five years ago. Tine Government 'approached the publishers, although they had sitill 18 months of the contract to go, and asked-them -to make a reduction in the price on account- of- the prevailing economic | conditions. They said that they were I prepared to offer a reduction of- 221 per cent., provided that the contract ! was extended for another three and a half years. Had that bargain not been made the existing contract would have been in force- for another year ' and 'a half. He maintained that it 1 was a sound business deal to. save the ! people a sum of £IO,OOO ter that 18 months. THE ALTER NATIVE. “I am quiite confident that parents appreciate.'this help a-t the (present time;” he continued. “Thei altern: - tjve was ter the Government to- ..secure the copyright and- bring out its- own text books; meaning a cost of £40,000, | and I would not stand for imposing j that amount on -parents for -one. moment. The contract says dist-i.iTcd'ly that there is to. be -no difference in \ the quality of the hooks. Mr Kyle 1 produced -hooks in the House and i made complaints, but- I. would suggest that he should have taken them, to the Minister. ”,

| Air Kyle : I wast there for two da A’ s I couldn’t- get into his room.

! Air Forbes emphasised that Air Kyle’s proper course would have been to approach the Minister and verify his. complaint that the Jjooks were of poorer quality. After making enquiries he could also- contradict Mr Kyle’s statement that Victoria held its own copyright of school text-hooks. “I must say I respect his knowledge on certain subjects, such as farming,” continual. Air Forbes, “hut when .it comes to' a business deal, that requires business knowledge and experience.” | Mr Kyle: What do-the School Committees and the AVellington Educa r tion Board think about it? <• f Air Forbes: AYhat they think is nothing to do with the fact that a sound business- deal has been made. Our 'duty is to look after tlie parents not thle School Committees and teachers, and by saving them £40,000 -we are doino- the right thing. PRAISE FOR MINISTER. I “Air Kyle also brought up the constitutional position of the Minister for Education. A\ r e had .a. vote 6n that last year. Because a man is in another Chamber is no reason why the eonh- ' try should -he denied his. services and {ability. In the present Minister we i have one of the ablest men in .public life to-diay, and I must say I do strongly, appreciate his services.”