THE EDUCATION BOARD

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1930, Page 11

THE EDUCATION BOARD

PROGRESS AND HARMONY. The cordial relations between members and their enthusiasm in a common cause were commented upon by the speakers at an informal luncheon tendered by the chairman (Hon. S. G. Smith) to the members of the Taranaki "Education Board, their wives, executive -members of the staff and the Press’, representatives at the conclusion of the board’s meeting in New Plymouth yesterday. Mr. Smith took, the opportunity oi thanking the-board members for their expression of confidence in re-electing him chairman during his absence at Parliament, Mrs. Smith was unable to attend owing to an accident which she had recently suffered, and the gathering expressed its sympathy with her and Mr. Smith. ' .

Mr. Smith acknowledged the help received from members during the 14 years of his association with the board, and the six years of his chairmanship. He considered no man with New Zealand public body experience could look back upon a more pleasant period to remember the different men who had been fellow-members with him. The work of education in which they were engaged seemed to develop qualities of special value. If every local body was conducted upon lines similar to those of the 1 Taranaki Education Board the history of local bodies in New Zealand would be very happy. He could say without fear of contradiction that nothing had stood him in better stead in the difficulties of Ministerial office than the experience gained in local body work in Taranaki.

Referring to the Press, Mr. Smith said that one of the reasons for the keen public interest in education in Taranaki was the support and publicity given by the newspapers, and on behalf of the board he thanked them. The health of Mr. P. J. H. White, as the next senior member to Mr. Smith in years of service, was then proposed by Mr. Smith.

Mr. White, replying, said that the policies of successive boards had been progressive, reflecting the interest and enterprise of Taranaki; He referred, to the.very fiappy relationship existing 'between the members of the board. It was a company in which lasting friendships were made. There had been no political feeling in their frank and unbiassed discussions. Little differences had concerned the methods, but not the aims, of the board—fo do the best for those whom it represented. Speaking of Mr. Smith, and distinctly from politics, they looked with keen interest upon his progress, to see him making good in the position he held. It was their hope that any legislation promoted by him as their member would be for' the public good. Mr. White also referred to the present and past secretaries of the board and to Mr. Moore, the architect, all .of whom had always assisted the members and were not afraid to be candid.

Mr. A. Lees proposed the health of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. He mentioned that their chairman had received his first local body training on school committees. For the last six years they had found him just and impartial as a chairman, and they were glad to extend him their best wishes.