NON-ATTENDANCE OF MINISTER

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26672, 5 March 1952, Page 5

NON-ATTENDANCE OF MINISTER

MR ALGIE CRITICISED CONFERENCE OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES’ BODY (New Zealand Press Association) BLENHEIM, March 4. The Minister of Education (Mr R. M. Algie) was criticised by delegates to the annual conference of the Dominion Federation of School Committees’ Association to-day because it was the third consecutive conference that the Minister had been unable to attend.

“I am very disappointed that we cannot welcome the Minister to our conference.” said the president (Mr Qk W. Washing). “I can assure you we did our best to get him here. There is a remit coming up regarding attendance by the Minister, so you will probably voice your thoughts when it is considered.” Mr T. P. Shand, M.P., said he had telephoned the Minister, who had been in Auckland, and told him that he would be called hard names and would be hardly thought of if he did not come to Blenheim for the conference.

“The Minister agreed that he should be here, but that he just couldn’t be.” sadi Mr Shand. “I know something of the sort of lives Ministers are leading at the moment, and frankly they are not ones I envy.” Mr Shand asked the conference to remember that Mr Algie was not just sitting rouqd enjoying himself. Mr W. J. Wilson, of Wellington, said he thought the conference should indicate to the Minister plainly but courteously itp regret that it was the third conference since he assumed office that he had been unable to attend.

It was due to the conference, added Mr Wilson, that the Minister should make some effort to be present and show his interest.

“I wonder whether Mr Algie is frightened of school committeemen ana what is wrong,” remarked Mr E. M. Rowe, of Palmerston North. Mr E. Chapman, of South Taranaki, suggested that the delegates should be a little tolerant. Mr Algie was a very busy man and no doubt had some special reason for being absent. Mr Algie was again criticised during the presidential address of Mr Washing when he said that the work of the Dominion executive committee was hindered by delay on the part of the Minister in replying to remits passed at the Auckland conference. Mr Washing said it was appreciated that the election last year must have caused some inconvenience to the Minister. but the committee felt that replies should have been made before the election.