MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3495, 1 March 1921, Page 22

MINISTER OF EDUCATION

A DAY OF DEPUTATIONS. The Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister of Education, had an exceedingly busy day in Dunedin on the 22nd. In the morning he set off before 9 o’clock on a visit of inspection with Mr J. Wallace (chairman of tlse Otago Education Board) and other members of the board. They went first to the Training College garden, and then visited the North-East Valley School, so that the Minister might gain further information on the question of re-building. The party then returned to the Flat, where the St. Clair and For bury Schools were inspected, and the Maeandrew Road buildings looked at from the road. The Maeandrew Road and Forbury Schools are both anxious to get larger playgroupds. The next trip by the Minister was to the Kelsey -Ya ral la Kindergarten, where the visitor was received by Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., and three members of the Advisory Committee —(he Hon G. M. Thomson, Mr W. Davidson, and Professor White. Mr Sidev introduced a deputation from the Free Kindergarten Association, and the Minister undertook to grant £192 to the association. The visitor was entertained at morning tea and shown over the building. BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL. Shortly before noon, the Minister, accompanied by the Hon. G. M. Thomson, motored to the Boy’s High School, where all the boys were seated in the assembly hall waiting his arrival. lie was met ax the school by Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., Dr Fulton (chairman of the board), tbe Hon. T. D. Fleming, Messrs Webb, Brugh, Bcgg, Stephens, Gallaway, C. R. M’Lean (secretary), and W. J. Morrell (rector). Mr R. M’Callum, M.P.-, was also present. Dr Fulton introduced the Minister to the boys, who received him with decided enthusiasm. The Minister gave a brief address, which was enthusiastically received, and at his request the vector agreed to give the pupils a half-holiday. The members of the board adjourned upstairs with the Minister and Ins secretary (Mr F. G. Matthews), and placed a number of matters before him. Mr Parr, in his reply, undertook to consult his officers and the Finance Minister with respect to the requests made.