EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 5 December 1929, Page 4

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

SOUTHERN TOUR . EVIDENCE AT DUNEDIN AND OAMARU (By Telegraph—Special to "The Mail") OAMARU, This Day. The Hon. H. Atmore, Minister of Education, and tlio members of the Parliamentary Education Committee, will reach Christchurch from Oamaru this evening by the second express. The party arrived at Dunedin by the night express on Monday last, and during the day paid visits to the Boys' and Girls' High Schools, Technical School, University, home science school, and dental and medical schools. When at the University a very interesting demonstration was given' of the physical training work which is being carried on in Dunedinj under the direction of Dr. J. Renfrew] White under an arrangement approved by the Minister the students attending. The training college received special instruction in the methods employed. On Tuesday the Committee met at the Otago Education Board's office and took evidence from 9 o'clock till 6 o'clock, a large, number of witnesses being examined.

On Wednesday the Committee left Dunedin for Oamaru by the first express, and was entertained at luncheon by the Oamaru Rotary Club, the Hon. H. Atmore being the principal guest and speaker. The Minister was enthusiastically received, and his remarks were frequently applauded. At the conclusion of his address Dr. Douglas, acting chairman of the Waitaki High Schools Board, said that members of the Rotary Club were deeply indebted to the Minister for his very eloquent and inspiring address. They had listened to what he had to say in connection with our education system, and appreciated very much the interest taken by the Minister in his work and the high ideals he was striving for. Mr Atmore was a bold, brave man who had a tremendous task before him, and in his endeavour to bring about a better system of education in the Dominion he had the good wishes of all those present and indeed of everyone in the country. In the afternoon visits were made to the girls' and boys' high schools, also the Redcastle College, which is a private institution.

The Committee met in the Borough Chambers at 8 o'clock and was engaged until after 11 p.m. in taking evidence.