EDUCATIONAL MATTERS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11736, 25 January 1924, Page 6

EDUCATIONAL MATTERS

DEPARTMENTAL DELAYS MR PARR REPLIES TO OTAGO BOARDS CHAIRMAN. “COMPLAINTS ARE UNFOUNDED’’ Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 24. Replying to the statement of th« chairman of the Otago Education Board (Mr Wallace), that the departmental business had been delayed during his absence in Australia, the Hon. C J. Parr stated :, “My holiday of a few weeks was forced through overwork. The complaint is unfounded, as well as being querulous and unfair. Before leaving, I made special arrangements for the Hon. G. J. Anderson to act, and I am indebted .to him for the amount of time and attention he gave the department, this being notified through the Press. The director (Mr Caughley) also gave special attention to Education Board matters. “Challenged by Mr Caughley to give details, Mr Wallace now says his was only a casual remark, and there was no complaint-. He states he was really thinking of the Dental School. AN UNFORTUNATE REFERENCE. “Both gentlemen,” continued Mr Parr, “were unfortunate in their reference to the Dunedin Dental School. Both, as members of the Otago University Council, knew well there has been no delay in the Dental School matters because of my assurance. Both kpew that as a result of my interview in October with the council, the departmental committee was appointed to inquire into the necessities, requirements, and position of the Dunedin School, and the committee was engaged in that very task when Messrs Sidey and Wallace made their unfounded complaint. The report of the committee only reached me last week, and was immediately sent by me to the Auckland and Otago University Councils for consideration. The department, the Hon. G.. J. Anderson and myself have good ground for complaint at the unfair attitude taken by these gentlemen. Just prior to leaving for Australia I made a special visit to Dunedin, and met both the council and Education Board and dealt with all questions they had to raise. Both Mr Sidey and Mr Wallace have always had uniform consideration from me. I regret they repay the department and myself in this fashion.”