Loss to Palmerston.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7353, 22 July 1902, Page 3

Loss to Palmerston.

At last night's meeting of tho Wangaaui Education Buard tho qnostion of the appointment of Chief Inspector, "ice Dr Smyth, was considered. Mr Fred. Pirani said ho had a proposal to mako to the Board, although,be did so with conflicting emotions, that was that Mr W. Gray, Rector nf the i'altnerston North District High School, should be offered the position of OhiofInspootor. Directly ho knew of] Dr Smyth's resignation, tho idea had taken sbapo in his mind, but ho had tried to ovoid coining to a docieion upon it owing to the belief that Mr Gray's removal would be a great loss lo Palmerston Nortb, both in regard to educational matters and also because of tho ad vantago gained by tho locality in having a man of Mr Gray's high character ia their midst. After mature consideration ho had come to tho conclusion that the interestsnf the education district were paramount aad there was no man in the colony better qualified to succeed Dr. Smyth than Mr Gray. He was not only an educationalist of a very high order, possessing tack and management of the very best, but ho was wholly in sympathy with Dr. Smyth's methods, thoroughly understood his ideals in education, and was well endowed with tho requisite qualities to carry them out. Without desiring to detract from his high opinion of Dr. Smyth, Mr Pirani said ho believed Mr Gray could, develop their Inspeotor's schemes for tho improvement of education even better than Dr. Smyth himself. In justice to Mr Gray he would like to add that on Saturday last he had asked him whether ho considered his work in Palmerston could be carried on satisfactorily hj others if the appointment were made, and Mr Gray had stated, after consideration, that if arrangements he could suggest were agreed to, the schools would not suffer, especially as in the position of Inspector he could still tske a considerable port in directing the management of the school. Mr Gray had also stated that he would be quite willing to accept the position of the Board it offered it, as it would widen the sphero of his work, but he would not< be an applicant for the vacancy otherwise. Mr Pirani reiterated that he regretted having to make the motion for personal reasons, but ho was convinced the appointment would be in the best interests of the district. Mr Robbing seconded the motion, and spoke in high terms of what he had hoard and seen of Mr Gray's work. Mr Spurdle said that after what Mr Pirani had said he would support the motion, although he had contemplated different action before the meeting commenced. He had heard a great deal of the good work Mr Gray was doing at Palmerston, and his only fear was that that portioa of tho district would suffer by the removal of Mr Gray. At Die request of the members, Dr. Smyth's opinion was taken. Th« Inspector said ho could not speak too highly of Mr Gray's fitness for tho position from every point of viow, Mr Gray was thoroughly m sympathy with his aims and ideals, he was well qualified' to raise the standard of teaohers, and there was no man in the colony whom he oonsidered better qualified for tho position. He had a brilliant career as an educationalist, was untrammelled by tho limitations applicable to those who had held the positions of inspectors, and he believed would carry out what he had conceived would be best for the .raising of the standard of education even better than he could himself. He felt sure the Board would bo acting" wisely in offering the position to Mr Gray. The Chairman said he had contomvlated moving in a different direction to what Mr Pirani had done, but after what ho had heard he would support the motion. His fear had beon tha* Palmerston could not afford to lose Mr . Gray, but it arrangements could be made to prevent the District High' School suffering, he saw no objection to the appointment. The Eev. J. Ross spoke in high terms of Mr Gray, and the motion was carried. unanimously. .