COLLEGE DISCIPLINE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 683, 7 June 1929, Page 14

COLLEGE DISCIPLINE

BOARD MEMBER CONDEMNS TECHNICAL CLASSES DISPUTE AT MEETING “When boys start throwing inkwells round it is evident there is no discipline in the classes. The boys assert there is no use attending; there is nothing to learn.” Strongly protesting against the recommended appointment of a parttime instructor in motor mechanics at the Seddon Memorial Technical Col- j lege, Mr. R. F. Barter ventilated his ; feelings at the board of managers’ j meeting yesterday. “I strongly object to an appointee who has been In New Zealand only five or six weeks,” declared Mr. Barter. He complained that the motor mechanic’s apprenticeship committee had been ignored in regard to the appointment, and ventured the opinion that if the appointment was made the examination papers would not be approved. The prospective appointee had claimed to the apprenticeship committee that he had been on the college staff and was dissatisfied with the conduct of the classes. The principal, Mr. Park, said that he was satisfied with the applicant's credentials. The mechanics’ apprenticeship committee had been invited to make recommendations and had not done so. There was no one else in Auckland or New Zealand who could fill the job, he declared. “That is extraordinary,” commeaited Mr. J. C. McPhail. “Is that a considered statement?” The principal declared he had been informed that Mr. Barter had approached Sir Geo. Fowlds to have the motor mechanics’ classes removed to the university. “I’ve never seen Sir Geo. Fowids,” said Mr. Barter, indignantly. “I certainly inquired of the registrar if day classes could be held at the university. “I was dissatisfied with the classes here. The apprenticeship committee’s programme of tuition has been submitted to the board and lias been ignored.” He added that the Motor Traders’ Association Intended approaching the board with a suggestion that daylight training should be instituted. Mr. J. C. McPhail took up the cudgels. “This board ought to know if there is dissatisfaction in the conduct of classes,” he said. The Chairman, Mr. H. W. S. King: “We have known for some time.” “How long?” demanded Mr. MePhail. “We don’t go through the classes,” replied the chairman. “I don’t want you to side-step the question,” challenged Mr. McPhail. “I’m not side-stepping,” retorted the chairman, warmly. “I put the question to you straight enough,” said Mr. McPhail. “Are there any other classes which are not conducted satisfactorily?” The principal replied there might be some that were not conducted with the maximum of efficiency. “But are they satisfactory?” per sisted Mr. McPhail. “I haven’t heard any report that they are unsatisfactory,” replied Mr. Park. The argument ended by Instructions being given to the principal to furnish a quarterly report on the work and conduct of the industrial classes. The appointment of a motor mechanics instructor was deferred for the time being.