NEW SPEAKER

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24825, 23 February 1944, Page 7

NEW SPEAKER

MB, F. W. SCHRAMM UNANIMOUS ELECTION fS.R.) WELLINGTON. Tuesday The installation of Mr. F. W. Schramm, member for Auckland East, to the chair of the House of Representatives took place this afternoon. He was unanimously elected as Speaker on the motion of the Government chief whip, Mr. A. S. Richards (Roskill), and the Opposition chief whip, Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Waitorno). His appointment and installation were witnessed by crowded galleries and carried through with appropriate solemnity and dignity. In nominating Mr. Schramm on behalf of the Government, Mr. Richards emphasised his fitness for the office, and referred to the high traditions of the •Speakership. Mr. Richards was confident that Mr. Schramm would worthily uphold the high standard set by his predecessors. Opposition's Warm Support Mr. Broadfoot said he congratulated the Government on its excellent choice, which the Opposition warmly supported, greater honour could be bestowed on a member of the House than to elect lnm as Speaker. The Opposition had every confidence that Mr. Schramm would be fair and impartial, favour none, and mete out justice to all, and that he would guard the rights and privileges of members.

Mr. Schramm, who was seated in his usual place in the chamber, briefly replied, thanking the movers of his election for their generous references to him. He was tlien escorted by Mr. Richards and Mr. Broadfoot to the chair, from which he made a further reply thanking all for the great honour reposed in him. The office, lie said, called for the exercise of tact, consideration and impartiality, and he trusted he would be able to carry out his duties in that way. The House was following in the traditions of the Mother of Parliaments in Britain, and it was members' duty both inside and outside the House to uphold those traditions. Full Confidence of House

The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Eraser, congratulated Mr. Schramm on his unanimous election. The position was important, he said, because it had to safeguard the rights and privileges of the House whose members were the representatives of the people in this democratic country. The importance of these privileges was never so apparent as at the present time, when so many of the flower of the youth and manhood of this country, the British Commonwealth and the United Nations wero fighting so that democracy could live. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, said the members of his party counted it a great privilege and honour to be given the opportunity of seconding Mr. Schramm's nomination. Mr. Schramm could therefore feel that he had the unanimous confidence of the House. The Opposition had complete confidence in his impartiality, and was convinced he would discharge his duties with conspicuous success. After Mr. Schramm had thanked the party leaders for their generous references to him, the House adjourned until to-morrow afternoon.

AGRICULTURAL TRAINING HIGH SCHOOL PROPOSAL DR. BEEBY AT DARGAVILLE (0.C.) DARGAVILLE, Tuesday An inspection of the Northern Wairoa experimental farm of 125 acres, which the Farm Society has offered as a gift to the education authorities as the site for the proposed agricultural high school for the North, was made by the Director of Education, Dr. (5. 15. Bee by, who was accompanied by the senior inspector of schools, Mr. H. McChesnev, the superintendent of technical education. Auckland, Mr. G. A. Shorland, and Mr. I. Johansson, deputychairman of the Northern Wairoa Farm Society. Subsequently, Dr. Bee by met members of the Agricultural High School committee in Dargaville. The chairman, Mr. W. It. Worsley, briefly outlined the proposals for the school. He said the preponderance of opinion in North Auckland was that tne North required an agricultural high school, and that it should be established at Dargaville. Other speakers emphasised the need for the school. | "I am sure you do not want me to give you a direct answer at the moment regarding a scheme involving an expenditure of £80,000," said l)r. Beeby. He stated that he was deeply interested in the proposal, and congratulated those responsible for the thoroughness with which they had gone into the matter. Dr. .Beeby agreed that the Education Department had not solved the problem of rural education. The greatest degree of success had been achieved at Feilding, where there was a school that was wholeheartedly agricultural. After referring to various important questions which had to be considered, Dr. Beeby said that the two key thing.s at the moment to his mind were the number of pupils who would board at the hostel proposed, and what were the claims of Dargaville against other places. He assured the committee of his personal interest and appreciation, and further of a sympathetic study of the problem.

NEW GIRLS' SCHOOL FIFTY-THREE ENROLMENTS Fifty-three girls who could not he admitted to the city grammar schools enrolled yesterday at the Newmarket School, where third forms have been established to provide for their needs during the present term. From the beginning of the second term, these pupils will be transferred to the special intermediate establishment at the Normal School, Epsom. Two classes have been formed, with divisions into those taking Latin or the modern and commercial courses, and lessons have already begun. Three fully qualified teachers have been assigned to the school and these are being assisted _ by students from the Teachers' Training College. The department is fully equipped and the girls are even better situated in the matter of educational facilities than are the older schools. The, department is in a block separate from the primary school and grounds have been set aside for the recreation and physical training of the older students. Of those enrolled yesterday, 24 were pupils who would otherwise have attended the Auckland Girls' Grammar School, 2.S would have enrolled at the Fpsotn Girl®' Grammar School and six cflino from other establishments, said Miss L. R. Todd, who is in charge of the department. Other girls intending to enrol should clo so not later than Friday.