OPINIONS CLASH

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24127, 20 November 1941, Page 15

OPINIONS CLASH

BOARD AND MINISTER OTAHUHU APPOINTMENT PRINCIPAL FOR SCHOOL The action of the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, in withholding his approval of the appointment of a new principal for the Otahuhu Technical High School, made by the Auckland Education Board in May last, was criticised at the board meeting yesterday. The post fell vacant through the resignation of Mr. F. W. Martin last May, and after considering applications the board made an appointment and submitted the name to the Minister for his approval under the regulations. The Minister refused to confirm the appointment and the board was asked to make a choice from other names submitted. The board adhered to its original selection and a deadlock occurred. At a recent meeting it was decided to request the Minister to meet the board's executive on his next visit to Auckland. The chairman, Mr. W. J. Campbell, said no* further progress had been made. The Minister had promised to meet the executive but had not recently been in Auckland. The position was most unsatisfactory, said Mr. F. A. Snell. The board had made an appointment and was then told it would not be allowed to do so. "It is a colossal piece of cheek to tell representatives of the public that they have no right to do so, and 1 protest . against it," lie continued. Not so long ago the Minister had told the board that bureaucratic control would not be extended and more power would be given to the board. "1 do not think the Minister is genuine when he acts in this way," he added. It was decided to invite the Minister to meet the board in open discussion at its next meeting on December 10.