SHORT SHRIFT.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13212, 4 September 1908, Page 5

SHORT SHRIFT.

Tho Houso of Representatives yesterday gave short shrift to tho proposal in tho Canterbury College Empowering Bill which provided for a salary not exceeding £300 a year being paid to tho chairman of the Board of Governors. Tho Minister for Education himself led tho attack on this provision, which, as he said, would lead to the development of a professional chairmanship, and in committee on the Bill, the clause, on his motion, Mas struck out amid unmistakable signs of approval. It is, wo think, a matter for congratulation that tho House took up this attitude and. showed so clearly its disapproval of the proposal to convert an honorary position which it is a distinction to occupy, into a salaried billet. Tho chairman of the Board of Governors holds a responsible office, which entails upon him, if he is a conscientious man, a considerable amount of work, and. he should certainly be afforded such clerical assistance as may ■be necessary to enable him to carry out his duties. We think, also, that he should be recouped any out-of-pocket expenses in which his position involves him. But there still remains some honour in serving the public, as the selfsacrificing labours of many public men show, and it would have boon regrettable indeed if the proposal in the College Bill had been carried. It is a great pity that it was ever put forward, for it implied that the old public spirit which has been a fine feature of our social life, has now to be stimulated by cash payments. Fortunately, even in this commercial age that is not yet tho ,case, and we trust tho day is far distant when mon will not bo ready to undertake responsible offices for the honour and privilege of serving their fellowmen.