CONGRATULATIONS AND AU REVOIR

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3288, 6 March 1926, Page 10

CONGRATULATIONS AND AU REVOIR

Sir James and Lady Parr Entertained

BY HIGH SCHOOLS’ BOARD AND PARENTS

Sir James and Lady Parr were the guests of the Palmerston North High Schools Board of Governors and Parents' Association at a social gathering at the Boys' High School last evening. Mr. J. A. Nash presided over a large gathering and apologised for the ahsence of the Rector (Mr. J. Murray, M.A.) and some of the members of the Board. Ho remarked that the Board felt it could not let Sir James leave New Zealand without showing recognition of all he had done for Palmerston North in the matter of education and congratulating him upon his appointment as High Commissioner. The appointment was not unexpected; all knew that Sir James had behind him grit, determination, attainments and qualifications that made him eminently fitted to take up th e position (applause). t All Celt he would worthily fill the Commissionershlp. There would bo no greater advocate of inter-Empire trade than Sir James. In referring to Lady Farr. Mr. Nash said he was sure her kindly and genial disposition would soon endear her in the hearts of the people of the Old Country. Sir James had shown aptitude in the administration of the Educational Department and without doubt was the best Minister of Education the Dominion had had. In 1914 the educational spending power of the country amounted each year to li millions while of late it had reached '6l millions. This, gave an idea of the many difficulties in education that he had to grapple with. Demands had been made upon him by every member of th e House, and it was only a strong man that could control education in New Zealand. Sir James was also a keen debater end had shown ability In replying to critics of the Government. As Mayor of Auckland, he also gave splendid service and then had shown he was fitted for a higher position in the affairs of the country. The speaker always valued his friendship and expressed sorrow ait his departure, because there was still a great deal wanted in the Palmerston district (laughter). Mr. Nash suggested that he might do the town a great service before he left New Zealand by signing his name jto several little requests (laughter). “I want to thank you publicly for the kind consideration you have always shown to the district,” said Mr. Nash In conclusion. On behalf of the Board of Governors and all those interested In educational matters, he wished Sir Jamds and Lady Parr health and happiness in their new sphere of activities (applause).

Mr. L. F. de Berry, spoke on behalf of the Headmasters' Association, expi casing appreciation of the work of Sir James during his Ministerial career. Ho also remarked upon the fact that the Education Department had given more Ministers as High Commisioners than any other branch of the Government. Although congratulations were due to Sir James on his appointment, yet the teachers of Mew Zealand were sorry at losing one of the best friends that they had had. When one looked back at the picture of Education before Sir James took office and compared it with the picture of to-day. one could see what he had done for the country. Of the reforms he had instituted i nothing stood out more prominently than his new building programme. A new and logical system of promotion had been associated with the name of their guest. These reforms were reflected io the increased budget, yejt the greatest sendee he had rendered was the causing of education to b e a real live topic, instead of the Cinderella that it was some years back. Education was the most Important industry iof the country and that aspect had i'- - I

been reiterated by Sir James again and again. The speaker also paid gracious compliments to Lady Parr. Mr. G. Tremaine added the congratulations of the Old Boys’ Association. His Rich Reward. Sir James commenced bis reply to the greetings and congratulations by acknowledging the help that had been given him in his duties by Lady Parr, fie considered any public man greatly handicapped without the assistance of a good wife. He thanked the speakers for the many kindly references to his work. In leaving New Zealand nothing gave him more cause to bemoan his departure than the fact that he was leaving with the regret of the 9000 teachers in the service of the State. That was his rich reward for anything he ‘had done in the six years of Ministership. When a man left his chair with Ithe approval of the teaching profession, it showed ho was not altogether a failure. He had received many farewell letters from touchers during the last fortnight and they had touched him greatly. Ho hoped he was also leaving secondary school teachers satisfied. He con- ; leased he had been sick at times of the portfolio of Education. When first ho took office he had found education in a ! j very bad way. For instance, there was no scheme of promotion for high school teachers. This made many sore hearts at times because many appointments were unjuslt. Moreover, the shlary of the high school teacher six years ago was a disgrace. Many teachers of rare and fine culture had to bo content with a pittance of £2oo and £250 a year—a labourer’s wage. He could not stay in office and allow that to continue. Now all the secondary school teachers were graded. Those people should be well paid. They wore the people who moulded the child’s life. li looking back on his own carer, he considered the four years spent in the old Auckland Grammar School the years of greatest influence on his life. The speaker paid a compliment to the lo.te Mr. Massey who had given him. a free hand in all he thought necessary and- also acknowledged the cooperation of local bodies. ‘No longer, bo §aid. would this great cause be regarded as a side-line. Sir James said that he pleaded guilty to increasing the Educational bill but where could one safely, having regard to ithe national interest, cut down the amount ? Most people did not Know that 83 per cent, went out in salaries. He would be a bold man who would declare that the salaries of to-day were too high. They were only fuirly adequate and if ho had a little money to spare and was continuing the job, he would like to add still more to the wage of the primary school headmasters, who held positions of tremendous responsibility. The school building vote had Increased as well from £347,000 to £1,748.000 during his term of office. He was not ashamed oi this. Neglect 'of buildings was a very serious matter and before the war no adequate attention had been paid to building schools. No one to-day would contend that there were many building* that did not still require attention.' The needs of the backblocks settler had also been considered and school committees received as much as £105,000. The three items he had so far mentioned—salaries, buildings and allowances —absorbed 98 per cent, of the Educational grant. “Education,’* said Sir James, ‘‘is Ithe sheet anchor of the State and the corner ston e ojt democracy. Education is better than revolution and you know what happened in Russia where 98 per cent, of the pea'sants could neither, read nor write and fell ithe victims bf Bolshevism. I believe Now Zealand is the most intelligent of the Dominion democracies and I am not alone in this opinion. The greatest scientist Now Zealand has produced and the world has known, Sir Ernest Rutherford, said he was satisfied New Zealanders were the most intelligent people of the Empire.” Intelligent people, continued the speaker, meant intelligent Government, intelligent members of Parliament (laughter) and intelligent Ministers. Sir James remarked in conclusion that he hoped he had shown the way to better education in New Zealand and that even before he left he could still push well forward the things wnich he would have to leave unfinished. His new post was by no means more important than the one he was leaving. ■Ho would always look back with pleasure to his six years of office as Minister of Education. The following musical and elocutionary items were contributed during the ■ evening: Songs, Mrs. R. B. Ross, Mrs. E. McDonald, Miss D. Ricketts, Mr. L. E. Collier. Miss N. Whalley, Mr W. K. -K. Gllmour Me. C. Brydon; monologue, Mr. L. .If. do Berry. Mrs. Gllmour acted as accoru* paniste. Borough’s Generosity. A vote of thanks to these who contributed to the programme was moved by the deputy-Mayor, Mi. A. J. Graham, and carried by acclamation. Mr. Graham apologised for the absence of the Mayor (Mr. F. J, Nathan) and congratulated Sir James on his new appointment— an honour richly deserved. The speakei considered that Sir James would worthily uphold Uio dignity and-trusted be would live to see the day when the Dominion would benefit fully from the educational work which he had set in motion. As regards educational matters in Palmerston North, the Borough hud been generous and land had been freely given for schools. It was also interesting to note the remarkable growth the high schools had made since 1902. Ho wished Sir James success in his new sphere of activities. Sir James, in reply, hoped that he would not discredit the Dominion in England. He thanked Mr. Nash for presiding and also for many years of solid support. The rest of the evening w f as devoted to dancing and cards. Supper was also dispensed.