MR. O'SULLIVAN'S “REMARKABLE” REPORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9036, 20 April 1888, Page 6

MR. O'SULLIVAN'S “REMARKABLE” REPORT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—This last report by the Senior Inspector on public education is well worthy 01 serious attention ; and coming from Mr. O'Sullivan, there is no doubt that it will be closely scrutinised throughout this district and the rest of New Zealand. Its appearance marks a'crisis in the administration of public education—at least in our district, if not in a wider area. It confirms his previous report by the strongest evidence possible—the doings of the Board itself in the interval between the two reports. The statements in it of maladministration in the affairs of public education are—there is no use mincing matters—of a most damning character. Schools have been elected which are " hurtful " to the cause of education, teachers have been appointed through favouritism,, the probationary system made

an asylum for needy hangers-on, 4c, and all done either in defiance or in disregard of the ruling of the Board's inspectors. Now what can be graver than such statements i Statements, which, if true, ought to entitle Mr. O'Sullivan not only to the gratitude of the public but also to that of every friend to our system of public education, and which at the same time ought to convince the Board that it was high time to reform its methods, even at the cost of some humila. tion to its pride by such an admission. On the other hand, if the statements are not quite true, then the report containing them should not be allowed to go to We£ lington until they are corrected, and the inspector called to account for having made them. But so far, no statement in it has been shown to be untrue ; and although two members of the Board at the meeting on Friday last did say— knowing they were speaking for the public Press- that there were "untruths" and "many misstatements," they failed to show any whatever. To tax an old and faithful servant with " untruths" and " misstatements" in such a manner, and at the same time neglect to consider his very serious report goes far to demonstrate how such members fail to realise the duties of their position. Of course they felt hurt at having to listen to a recital of their misdoings ; but does that justify the conduct referred to ? I think not. .No time-server would show such public spirit and honesty of character as to write as Mr. O'Sullivan has done. In another respect this report is deserving of remark. Its style is really excelchoice in language, .vigorous, and epigrammatic is a treat to read in these days of slipshod writing and wishy-washy composition. Nothing can be compared to it in vigour of style and dignity of tone except his letters on the scholarships question some years ago in the controversy with the headmaster of the Grammar School.—lam, ■ &c, Pro Bono Publico. 17th April, 1888.