WHO WANTED IT?

Grey River Argus, 19 August 1937, Page 8

WHO WANTED IT?

Chairman’s Position CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD RUCTION. [Per Press Association]. CHRISTCHURCH, August 18. The unusual spectacle of a member proposing and then putting to f meeting a motion of no confidence in the Chairman was witnessed at today’s meeting of the Canterbury Education Board. Strong criticism was levelled al the Chairman (Mr. J. W. Preen) for his decision to retain the office for a second period of twelve months, but Mr Preen refused to change his mind. The discussion was at times heated. Three members, Mr. C. S. Thompson, Mr. G. W. Armitage, and Mr. W. A. Banks,, contended that when Mr. Preen took office twelve months ago he gave an undertaking to submit his name to a ballot if he decided to seek re-election. Under the Act, the Chairman was elected for two years. After calling the meeting to order Mr.‘Preen called for nominations for the appointments of committees. Mr. Thompson moved that the secretary take the chair,' and that the election of the chairman be proceeded with. “I hold that the motion is out of order,” said the Chairman. Mr. Thompson moved that the Chairman’s ruling be disagreed with. “It’s an absurd point,” Mr. Preen observed. “The Chairman is elected to hold office for two years. It is his prerogative to decide whether he will retire at the end of twelve months or whether he retains office. In this case I am not going to retire.” “I am sorry the Chairman of the Board has broken a promise,” said Mr. W. Banks. “I think you have the law on your side, but the other side —perhaps it is better not to say anything.” Mr. Thompson: I move a vote of no-confidence in the Chairman. I also understood he gave that promise. The motion of no-confidence was seconded by Mr. Armitage. “I cannot take the motion, and 1 rule it out of order,” said Mr. Preen. There was a dramatic moment when Mr. Thompson rose and put the motion of no-confidence, “all in favour?” he asked, "Aye,” said Mr. Armitage. “The only thing that has happened is that I have changed my mind, and some of you know why,” remarked Mr. Preen. “I don’t want to have anything to do with one who breaks his word,” said Mr. Thompson, a little later. Mr. Armitage: I am in the same position. The Board proceeded to appoint Standing Committees. BUNKUM? WELLINGTON, August 18. A suggestion that an inferiority complex was engendered in primary school pupils, because of their shorter holiday period, as compared with secondary schools, was made by Mr. H. Duckworth at to-day’s meeting of the Wellington Education Board, and discussion of the question brought a motion from Mr. T. W. McDonald, that the Board draw the attention of the urgent necessity for unification of control in education. This was carried. SCHOOL LIBRARIES. WELLINGTON, August 18. It was intimated by the Education Board that the Education Department was providing £5,000 for school and class libraries this year, arid Wellington’s share would be £630. Gratification was expressed, and a letter of appreciation is to be sent to the Department.