SCHOOLS ABOVE PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 33, 8 February 1929, Page 10

SCHOOLS ABOVE PARTY.

MINISTER'S POLICY.

EDUCATION BOARD GRATIFIED

CONFIDENCE IN MR. ATMORr

A hearty welcome was extended to the Minister of Education (Hon. H. Atmore) this morning, when he met the Auckland Education Board for the first time. Mr. A. Burns (chairman) assured the Minister of the board's loyal co-operation and support. Some or the members had been on the board for .10 years, and their one aim was to improve education conditions in New Zealand, and especially in the Auckland district.

" Our endeavour is to keep our schools above party,'' said Mr. Burns, who assured the Minister that the board would have been just as loyal to a Labour Minister had the wheel of fortune placed the Lalwur party in power. Mr. Atmore's reputation had gone ahead of him, and the board felt sure that he would do his best. " You have scarcely got into your stride, vet I have given you enough tor an experienced Prime Minister to deal with," observed the chairman, after addressing a large number of requests to the Minister. Mr. Atmore said it was a gTeat pleasure to meet the boartl which administered the Education Act in the largest district in New Zealand, containing the largest number of children. What pleased him most was the chairman'* assurance that, the board endeavourerd i-n keep the schools out. of the arena of party politics. Personally he would like to sec everything above party. He had never been a party man. In joining trie Cabinet he had acted in the belief that he was throwing in his lot with a band of earnest men out to do their best for the country. "I am the people's representative, and not an education expert," said Mr. Atmore. "Since the Minister is the representative of the people he should not be an expert in the subjects which concern his portfolios. The country pays for experts to advise him. However, in saying that I am not an expert I do not mean to imply that I know nothing of education matters. My public life has equipped me with useful knowledge in that respect." Mr. Atmore mentioned that he had served on a school committee, been a member of the Nelson Education Board, and served for twelve years on the Parliamentary Education Committee, which was continually in touch with education boards. He was a member of the Nelson College Board of Governors, and a trustee of the Cawthron Institute.

That the control of the Department should he in tlic hands of the Minister, and not in those of the permanent head, was the belief expressed l>y Mr. Atmore. He said that without reflecting on anv departmental ofiicer. The Minister and not the permanent head should enunciate the policy of the Department. During his twelve yours as a Member of Parliament, and prior to the time when he entered the House. there had been instances which went to show that the nominal head was not the real head. The hoard could be assured that he would do his best.

Mr. James Boddie said the interview with the Minister had been the most pleasant he could recall during his long experience as a member of the board. He proposed a resolution expressing gratitude and satisfaction for the manner in which Mr. Atmore had met the board. Mr. H. S. W. King said he looked forward with confidence to the capable administration of the Department by the new Minister. The board carried the resolution by acclamation.