ROYD GARLICK COMMITTEE.

Northern Advocate, 3 September 1913, Page 5

ROYD GARLICK COMMITTEE.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 3

The Royd Garlick Committee resumed its sittings yesterday afternoon.

The Hon. James Allen, in his statement, denied that the appointment had any political significance. He knew nothing of Mr Garlick's political opinions. Politics did not come into the appointment in any way whatever. As to the question of competency he was satisfied that Mr Garlick knew all that was required for the duties. The scheme was not to teach the Swedish drill, but a system of physical training of which Swedish was the basis. He had consulted Sir George Newman in London, who informed him that the New Zealand syllabus was the most modern thing in physical training. He defended the salary fixed and said it had not been challenged when submitted to Parliament. He was, therefore, justified in concluding that Parliament approved. Mr Garlick at first refused to accept the position because he had better prospects both here and in Australia. He (Mr Allen) did not advertise the position because there was no time to get a man from England, and no one in Xew Zealand was better qualified than Mr Garlick. He had appointed Mr Garlick to the Committee of Advice on the recommendation of Drs. Hardwicke Smith and Makgill, but did not then"contemplate appoitniug him as director. He was so appointed on the recommendation of Mr Hogben, Inspector-General of Schools. On the question of results he quoted complimentary resolutions passed by the Hawke's Bay Education Board, and Auckland and Waikato teachers. He maintained the staff was now efficient and the course of training given to the children would benefit not only the healthy ones but the defectives. The Committee adjeurned until 3 p.m. to-day.