EDUCATION MINISTER

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 33, 8 February 1930, Page 11

EDUCATION MINISTER

CONVENT SCHOOLS

RELATION TO STATE SERVICE

(Special to "Tiie Evening Post.")

CHRISTCHUBCH; This Day' In continuation of his Marlborougli tour, the Hon. Harry Atinoro (Minis-1 ter of Education) had a particularly; heavy day' on Wednesday, visiting no I fewer. than twelve schools in and i around Blenheim and Picton, and meet- J ing three school committees en route | to Kaikoura, at which place the party arrived at about 11 o.'clock. Tho following schools were visited on Wodnesday, at each of which the Minister received a very enthusiastic welcomo from the committee and addressed the children:—Blenheim (Main and Infants), Rodwoodtown, Marlborough High School, Convent School; Riverlands, Grovetown, Spring Creek, Tuamarina, Koromiko, Waikawa, and Pieton (State and Convent). Several requests were placed before Mr. Atmore, who agreed to give them his early attention and consideration. At the Convent schools, tho Minister expressed his pleasure at meeting the children. Although they wero not under the direct control of the Minister and his Department, indirectly they were, because a certain standard of education was required under the provisions of the Education Act. They were all New Zealand children, and in' his opinion there should be no divisions. What was desired was national co-operation. At each school the children sang for the Minister, and the proceedings end-, ed with tho singing/of the National1 Anthem. . At Seddon tho Minister stopped for the purpose of meeting the school committee, and at Ward a large number of school children and residents turned out, despite the late hour in order _to do honour to Mr. Atmore. The Minister gave a short address upon the education system and the reforms he intended to bring about, and received a hearty vote of thanks. The Ministor is now in Christchurch, where has has teen inspecting tko schools, and receiving deputations. On Tuesday ha will leave for Wellington.