AN INSIDIOUS MOVEMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22868, 30 April 1936, Page 8

AN INSIDIOUS MOVEMENT

In the elections of members of school committees this Aveek an element intruded for the first time which must be regarded Avith definite disapprobation. In the past the members of school committees have been selected impartially by householders’ meetings from among the nominees eligible for such positions. There Avas no suggestion that the political views of a candidate should be taken into consideration. The Avillingness and fitness of the member to discharge the not too onerous duties required of him were all that mattered. But there are those avlio Avould put an end to that era of goodwill and fraternal service. The Labour Party is not content with having invaded the arena of municipal administration. For reasons Avhich may be supposed to be connected with its desire to exercise an increasing influence in all channels of activity Avhich offer suitable openings it noAV makes apparent its designs upon the hitherto peaceful, non-political precincts of the school committees. And possibly it envisages these as merely the first bastion in the, Avider field of educational authority and control. To the Labour Party supporter as an individual the 'opportunity has been as freely available as to anybody else to serve upon a school committee. But the party is not satisfied with that position. That dominance is its obsession is made clear in the tactics revealed at several meetings this week for the election of committees. By the nomination of a party ticket, and through block voting, the endeavour has been made to secure organised control of the committees in question. If the measure of success achieved in this objective has not been conspicuous, a result attesting the good sense of parents and householders, the evidence of the attempt made is none the less to be deplored. The school committee is emphatically a body Avhich should be jealously preserved against the intrusion of political elements. The school cofnmittees have a fine tradition of good and faithful service in the interests of education. But if the system Avhich they represent is to be subjected to attacks designed to introduce into it the factor of political colour the outlook for both its traditions and its usefulness is a poor one. If the school committees Avere to become political-minded the strongest of arguments Avould be furnished for their elimination from the education system. The Trades Hall and the city or suburban school committee can haA r e no appropriate connection or association. It is quite apparent that in proportion to their success organised attempts by supporters of Labour to capture the school committees must tend to oust from these bodies members avlio have rendered excellent service upon them and to discourage the public spirit in the undertaking of such service Avhich has been manifested by many of our best citizens. Other considerations in point must suggest themselves. The School Committees’ Association cannot ignore this insidious movement aiming at the introduction of party politics into a sphere in Avhich there should be no room Avhalever for factional influences, and it is to be hoped that a healthy public opinion Avill support it in the effective discouragement of a most undesirable development.