STRATFORD'S NEW SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1919, Page 7

STRATFORD'S NEW SCHOOL.

SLIGHT TO EX-MINISTER ALLEGED. During his address at Whangamomona, Mr. R. Masters said he looked upon education a 6 free from party, but how did the other side regard it? Three months ago a deputation waited upon Mr. Hanan, then Minister for Education, and had asked him if he could lay the foundation stone of the new Stratford school. The action of the doputaiton was unanimously supported by the committee. When Mr. Han*.-: left the National 'Government, the committee asked him if he would still be willing to lay the foundation stone. They did so because of the assistance he had given as a Minister in furthering the interests of the school. When the stone had been purchased and the name inscribed and a silver trowel obtained, the political business started. Two members of Major Hine's executive were in the committee, and they moved snat the resolution inviting Mr. Hanan be rescinded, and it was rescinded, and that insult was offered to Mr. Hanan. Why} Because they thought that by allowing him to come here, he (Mr Masters) j would receive a certain amount of kudos I for the work he had done in connection with the school. Was that fawT <a voice: No!) He was sorry to see it, and it was belittling to the Boards the School Committee, and the citizens. Sir Francis Bell' had been asked to lay the" stone, but he must, hftv* known what Was in the wind, for he sent word that he could not come. He hoped they would get Major Hine, and if they did he would be very pleased to attend and assist at the ceremony.