WELCOMED TO WHANGAREI

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1929, Page 6

WELCOMED TO WHANGAREI

MINISTER OF EDUCATION. HIGH SCHOOL IMTIW A D 1 Hi FSS Ki J. 'the Minister of education, the Hen. 11. At more, arrived: in Wliangarei by ear from Dargavilie yestetday afternoon, and after establishing fpiarlers at ibe c ommercial 'Hotel visile] the High School, where' he was met by members of the Board of Governors, the staff and assembled children. Called upon by Mr H. C. Rishworth, chairman of the board, His Worship the Mayor, Mr W. Jones, welcomed the Minister on behalf of the people of Wliangarei. For throe years lie had worked with Mr AI mo re, who had the Interests of education at heart. The visit of the Minister at this juncture was more than had been expected, and was highly appreciated. The present being the first opportunity he had had !o do so. Mr Jones congratulated Mr Atmore on his advent to Ministerial rank. These remarks were added to by Air A. J. Murdoch, M.P., who said the visit of the Minister was particularly fortunate, as it would permit discussion of several matters which awaited his consideration. There was no better way of becoming acquainted with problems and needs than personal contact. He hoped that liberal treatment would he bestowed by the Minister on the mailers placed before him, and that his visit would l benefit the conditions not only at the High School, but also at all other schools an the district.

INTENSIVE TOUR. “During the past four months 1 have been travelling New Zealand in an attempt to see every one of the 250,000 children attending our primary and secondary schools," began the Minister. “Thus I have come in contact. with, hoards and committees, and explored their .difficulties, so that when it come to dividing the £4,000,000 which is granted l annually for education, I hope to bo able to make an apportionment in the fairest and most useful way possible. Unfortunately, I am not able to meet all the requests out of the store at my disposal. Qnc school alone asked for £02,000." “The children I see here are quite up to the physical standard of othersI have seen on my tour. It. may interest you to know that the New Zealand child of 15 is recognised as the tallest and most healthy in the world. This is not surprising, for the stock which left the Old Country in the early days on the important mission of colonisation -was of the best, aiuK with the freer, happier, healthier conditions in New Zealand , their offspring have developed accordingly. “New Zealand is peculiarly situated and requires an educational system all of her own. This tour is helping me to study local conditions and to finally make a comprehensive survey of what is required, “Education is far too important a • matter to be the football of party j polities, and whatever I do, if it is fori the best, I am sure I will receive gen- j era! support from the whole House. | HIGHEST IDEALS. j “New Zealand has earned the name j for first .introducing humanitarian ' legislation, such as the non contribn I tory scheme for old age pensions, the | Public Trust and advances to settlers, j and I am. sure that the genius of statesmanship which so marked the introduction of such methods is not yet' dead.

“It is upon your children, who in a few years will hold the destinies of New Zealand in your hands, that the future depends.

“Scientists wonder whether the spirit of idealism is sufficiently developed to make it safe for them to release their latest discoveries which, while being for the service of mankind, might also be used for bis destruction, junking the havoc of TOUTS, when lunacy swept the world, the merest circumstance. To prevent- such horrors the' highest ideals of service must be inculcated in our youth. HOLIDAY TRIBUTE. “Just because your children are so far away from the capital, you must not think that you are forgotten. The legislators consider your needs quite as much as those of anyone else. To commemorate my visit here I have asked your principal to arrange to grant you a whole day’s holiday some time next month."

On the call of Air Rishworth, three hearty cheers wore given for the Minister.