Booksellers Attack Education Bill

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30602, 19 November 1964, Page 3

Booksellers Attack Education Bill

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, November 18. A deputation from the Associated Booksellers of New Zealand today protested to the Minister of Education (Mr Kinsella) against provisions in the Education Bill permitting Education Boards to sell books.

The leader of the deputation, Mr R. Parsons, a Wellington bookseller, said later the organisation had sought to have the provisions revised. Auckland members of Parliament have received a telegram from the Auckland Booksellers’ Association in which it says it wishes to “register protests in the strongest possible terms.”

In addition, however, they have received a telegram from the Auckland Education Board seeking their support for the provisions. The board says the disputed clause in the bill purports to give powers to boards to supply and provide books and equipment for their schools on a basis that enables boards to purchase books and equipment at advantageous rates.

“The activities of the board have full support of teachers and school committees. The board is concerned that the clause in the new act is wide enough to give legal authority for its present bookroom and store activities to continue.”

The board says it will appreciate members showing a close personal interest in the matter.