“MINOR VICTORIES”

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24112, 23 November 1943, Page 2

“MINOR VICTORIES”

CLOSING OF SCHOOLS DISCUSSED

The Minister of Education (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason), in a letter received at last week’s meeting in Christchurch of the Canterbury Education Board commented on a letter from the South Canterbury School Committees’ Association (which had been forwarded to. him by the board). The association had drawn the attention of the board to the unnecessary closing of schools for processions and “the celebration of minor victories.”

When forwarding the letter, the board had indicated its support of the views expressed by the association The Minister, however, to the surprise of members of the board, expressed astpnishment at the representations having been brought under his notice as the board itself had control of such matters and could, he said, order them "according to its own desire.” . Members were equally astonished as. they declared, the schools had been closed at the express wish of the Government; The Prime Minister (the Rt.. Hon. P. Fraser), it was recalled, had on one occasion directed that such a course should be adopted. i Mr W. P. Spencer, was.anxious, that the board should' reply in those' terms to the Minister. It was eventually decided, however, that no. further communication should be forwarded on the subject.