MINISTER AND OFFICIALS.
QUESTIONS OF POLICY. I do not pose as *an educational expevt, nor do I believe that it is necessary to be ono to be a successful Minister of Education. I cast no reflection on my officers for I believe I am well served but I hold that a Minister must bo master of the polity of his own department." In these words, the Minister of Education, the lion. H. Atmore, explained his conception of his office to a deputation from the Canterbury Open-air Schools' League. He made the remarks, he said, because theio were sorno distinguished educationists and officials present, and ho wanted them to know where he, as Minister of Education, stood. Ho believed in every case tho Minister should evolve and enunciate tho policy of his department. Ho had capable advisers, whose advice he took or refused to take, according as lie felt, it was in accordance with tho will of the people whom ho represented, and as ho deemed it to be in their interest. Departmental officers did not necessarily—in fact could not possibly—know the mind of tho people, for they had no opportunity to go among them and learn it. Onco a policy was evolved, then it was for the officers to carry it out.
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20217, 30 March 1929, Page 14
Word Count
212MINISTER AND OFFICIALS. New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20217, 30 March 1929, Page 14
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