MINISTER OF EDUCATION VISITS FOXTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3647, 4 June 1927, Page 3

MINISTER OF EDUCATION VISITS FOXTON.

INSPECTION MADE OF SCHOOL,

At an invitation of the school committee, the Minister of Education (Hon. R. A. Wright) visited the Foxton District High School on Thursday afternoon, accompanied by J. Lin'klater Esq., M.P. The visitors were met by Messrs J. K. Hornblow (Chairman of the School Committee}., and W. Collins (Chairman of the Wanganui Education Board). An inspection was made of the site decided on for the new secondary department building and the Minister expressed satisfaction of the site chosen and considered the ground proposed for the playing area quite suitable.

The party then adjourned to the school where Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Brownies formed a guard of honour, through which the Minister passed to the main entrance of the building. Here he was received by the headmaster (Mr. F. A. Mason) together with the Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau) and members of the School Committee. The pupils lined up in the grounds facing the school. Mr. J. K. Hornblow, chairman of the School Committee, introduced the Minister and Mr. Collins. He also referred to the work the Minister had already carried out in the cause of education, and wished him every success in the discharge of hiss important duties. The Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau), on behalf of the citizens, extended a welcome to the Minister and those accompanying him. Mr. J. Linklater, M.P., also briefly stated that it gave him very great pleasure to be present. Mr. Wright was the head of one of the most important portfolios of the State. He regretted that Mrs. Wright was unable to be present. Mr. Linklater congratulated the statV and scholars on their school and environment and referred to the. conditions under which he started school and contrasted the schools of to-dav with the schools of his

The Minister thanked the speakers and for their remarks and referred to his early association with Mr. Hornblow, who had been a pupil of bis during his schooldays. Mr. Wright «aid he was extremely pleased to meet the scholars and he referred to the excellent environment of the school and its line record, and spoke to the pupils on the lines of his addresses at Feilding,..Palmerston North, and Mart on. The headmaster (Mr F. A. Mason) thanked the Minister on behalf of the children, who heartily cheered Mr. Wright and gave cheers for Mrs Wright, who was prevented from attending, through indisposition. After the school declaration had been made by the pupils, the National Anthem was sung, and following an introduction to the staff, the Minister was entertained at afternoon tea. The proceedings throughout were marked by the utmost cordiality, and district wants and complaints were conspicuously absent.

The Minister promised to pay a return visit later, when the foundation stone for the new building was being laid.