CHILD’S ESSAY

Grey River Argus, 2 August 1935, Page 5

CHILD’S ESSAY

INSPECTOR’S COMMENT To Be Debated in Commons (Aus. and N.Z Cable Assn.; (Received August 1 at 9.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 1. A storm is expected in the House of Commons on August 2, when Mr. Hurst will again raise the question of the King’s Jubilee essay written by the thirteen-year-old Manchester school girl, Maud Mason, who achieved fame through attention having been drawn to her Jubilee essay, in the Commons. She wrote: ‘‘England is the finest country in the world, because she has a good King and Queen.’’ Mr. Hurst asked on July 30 in the House, whether disciplinary action would be taken against an Inspector who described the essay as old-fashion-ed Imperialism. Maud Mason and her mother have now tra veiled specially to London t< listen to the debate. The father of the girl is an ex-soldier and has been un employed for several years. “I have no intention of demanding vindicative action against the Inspector,” says Air. Hurst. “I merely want an assurance that never again will such an attempt be made, to stifle i a child’s pride and love of country.” He added: “I will produce Aland’s exercise book, containing the “<say. of which the “Daily Mail” prints a facsimile on its main news page. It is headed, “Aly Native Country’’ and it includes the following: “We all are very proud of England, and we are proud of our King and Queen. They are verv good to the country. People in England ought to be proud that they are English. Eng and is only a small country, but it is better than any other country. It has fought many battles with different countries. In some countries, when men meet, they kiss; but in our countrv we just handshake. ” The essav gained live marks out or When Air. Hurst previously raised the question in the Commons, Mr. Stanlev replied that ho was satisfied that there had been a misunderstanding. The words of the Inspector were in the nature of a casual comment, and were not intended as reproof of c l!? cr teacher or child. The Board of Education would consider it highly improper for anv Inspector to discourage love of and "ride in country. Mr. Hurst regarding the answer as unsatisfactory. said hn would raise the matter