NELSON EDUCATION BOARD

Grey River Argus, 18 August 1937, Page 7

NELSON EDUCATION BOARD

Hon. W. H. Mclntyre RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN. NELSON, August 16. The Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, M.L.C., was to-day re-elected chairman of the Nelson Education Board on the motion of Mr J. IL. Harkness, seconded by Mr F. V. Knapp. Mr Harkness remarked that the Board was peculiarly fortunate in its chairman on account of his frequent visits to Wellington, and the constant touch he maintained with the Department and the Government. Mr Knapp spoke of Mr Mclntyre’s absolute fairness and knowledge of procedure. Other members spoke in support. Mr Mclntyre, in reply, said that he appreciated members’ confidence. He mentioned that, perhaps this was his “swan-song,” as it. was very evident that there was this session going to be a big alteration in the education system of the Dominion, with -unification of control, and the alteration of boundaries. He hoped that the right thing would be done by Nelson, and that the Nelson Board retained control of this northern part of the South Island; and as.far as lay within his power he would endeavour to secure a fair decision for this pait of the Dominion. The acting-inspector, Mr E. Partridge, extended the congratulations of the Department to Mr Mclntyre on his appointment; and to the Board on the wisdom of its selection.

RADIO IN SCHOOLS. The Nelson Education Board today expressed disappointment over the Education Department’s delay m announcing the'>cy to be followed concerning radio Ail schools. Repeated requests had brought no result. Iho Maggie Creek committee, it was stated, had become “led up ’ a t the delay, and had bought, their own set. It was resolved that the Board express regret that nothing had been done. The matter was left in the hands of the chairman, the Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, to “keep it permanently before the Department." REDUCED MILEAGE ALLOWANCE Strong criticism of the option of

the Department over its amended schedule reducing the mileage allowance to officers using motor cars was voiced at the Education Board meeting to-day. It was resolved to protest against the method of a flat rate of 3ld, the difference in the price of petrol in various districts, and against any proposal to make the reduction of the allowance retrospective. The fact that the petrol charge under the Government contract, was higher in the Nelson district (2s ld> where the roads were not smooth, than in Wellington (Is 7d), was also adversely commented on. It was an absurdity to reduce the allowance at the present time when costs were rising. A resolution of protest was passed. SCHOOLS MEDICAL OFFICER. The Minister of Health to-day wrote in reply to the Education Board’s request for the appointment of a Schools Medical Officer. The Board has continually protested at the non-appointment of an officer fo:. this district. The Minister stated that ii. was not yet possible to make a permanent, appointment for Nelson, owing solely to inability to secure the services of an officer. However, it had been arranged that Dr. Moir should spend part of her time al. Wanganui and partly in Nelson district. It was intended to station a full-time officer in Nelson as soon as possible. Dr. Moir’s report on Nelson schools visited was received.