EDUCATION BOARD CHAIRMANSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 198, 19 August 1908, Page 4

EDUCATION BOARD CHAIRMANSHIP.

MR L. J. BAGNALL RETIRES. At the meeting aa the Board of Edna* tion to-day the Board secretary (Mr Rice) announced that Mr L. J. BagnalTn year's term as chairman had expired. ' Mr Bagnall moved that Mr Birr; a} member of the West Ward, should hi chairman. Mr Parr had been a membei of the Board for six years, and during that time had taken a great deal of in* terest in the working of the Board vot* withstanding that lie was a busy man. The Board was to be congratulated tiaal some of the city's busy men find time J.o devote to work of the Board. It iii well that a man of Mr Parr's ability should take the -chair. Mr Parr would be the first New Zealander v tq occupy the position. In New Zealand he kaid passed through the primary and secondary schools, and was now considered to be in the front rank of his profession. He would fill the chair satisfactoriry to the Board and with credit to himself. Mr Bagnall said that the chairmanship was among the pleasantest offices he had discharged. He did not like to retire, but required a rest. Mr Garland, after seconding, referred to the assiduity of the late chairman, who had earned respite. ..._.' Mr MoKonzic moved, as an amendment, that Mr Bagnall be asked to stand for re-election. The mover agreed entirely with Mr Baghnll's remarks respecting MrParr, but the Board had not always heen conducted harmoniously, and things had always gone smoothly while Mr Bagnall was presiding. Mr Parr said that he would only stand on condition that Mr Bagnall was not a candidate. Mr Parr was elected chairman; **• i thanked the Board for the honour dona ■ him. The post was a responsible and aa honourable one, and the Board was undoubtedly the leading educational authority of the Dominion. Its district *■'■ wide one, with nearly 500 schools under its control and about 950 teachers. Tke work of the Board was a very imporUmt one, and the position of its presiding omeer an honourable one. He eulogised Mr Bagnall, and said that he was imposing himself no light task in following Mt Bagnall. He would endeavour to Pj*j serve the harmony of the meetings ,pp| conduct them with decorum, tact, and dispatch. He felt that he would have the support of the members, necessary to maintain the authority and prestige oi the chair. , It was unanimously decided to send Mr Bagnall a letter appreciative of ■* service as chairman.