The Timaru Herald FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1927. DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 21 January 1927, Page 8

The Timaru Herald FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1927. DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.

It should, come ns a. siujH'iso lo educationists, botb wiilun tin-, circle of the teacbing prolession and outsiders who* are ent-huwi-astici Muppnrlevs ot: all forms oi educational reform, to- learn tha! the Minister of Education lias no say whatever in the appointment of" the executive head ot his Department. Some weeks aye, (he New Zealand Educational Institute suggested to the Minister that no useful purpose could lie served by rushing* JJm appointment of Mr .successor to the important position of Director ot Education. The -executive. of the Institute urged, the Minister to extend the dale for receiving applications, in order I hat highly placed educationists of oilier countries might have air opportunity of applying. The Minister has informed the Institute'' that he lias no authority to accede to- such a. le4.ue.st, since- the appointment is entirely in the hands ot the I'uldie Sei vice Dommissioncr Defining the position of tin. Minister of Education in relation !o the appointment, Mr Wriglu made a statement, which, doubtless will create no little surprise in -educational circles. . ‘‘ r tfie l.’ublio Service Commissioner can,” Mir Wright, points nut, “if lie so desires, make the appointment: without consulting either the Minister or the Government. The advertisement, inviting applications! for the position was diawn up l and published by the Public Service Commissioner without being submitted to- me. As a matter of fact, the Assistant Director of Education urns appointed during' my absence. I was nor consulted, and learned fioin the Dress that- Mr Strong had been appointed. . Under these circumstances, seeing, that I have no legal power to interfere, I do- not intend pursuing further the issue you haw. raised.” The Minister can scarcely lie held blameworthy for the wide powers invested in the office of Public Service Commissioner. Nevertheless, the country will hardly accept the view that one individual is sufficiently well-informed, particularly in regard to- the country’s onducational needs to make appointments such as the administrative heads of big Departments of Slate, without consulting the Minister in charge. When the Civil Service was lifted out- of the quagmire of political control and party patronage, every genuine Parliamentarian breathed a sigh of relief, and useful, loyal and enthusiastic l members of the Civil Service rejoiced in tile change. Doubtless it will be contended that if the Public Service Commissioner is to discharge liis onerous duties without fear or favour, Ministerial influence should be entirely eliminated. It is not suggested by the Institute, we are sure, that the Minister of Education should attempt to hamper the Co-mni is si o-ncr in bis choice; on the contrary, members of the teaching- profession are keenly alert to the dangers- of political and local influence being exerted in connection with the appointment of teachers. Nevertheless, it should not he outside the province of Ministerial authority to make representations to the Public Service Commissioner when the question of the appointment of the administrative head of a 'Department is under consideration. The Institute’s sug-g-estion that opportunity should he afforded educationists in other lands of applying for the position, is worthy of consideration. The education system in New Zealand is in the melting pot. The new Minister lias big* problems to face and solve, if possible. Hitherto, it cannot be said that education policy in New Zealand lias been fired with lofty idealism and clean conception. The retirement of iMr Caughly, however, should afford those responsible an opportunity to appoint a, Director of Education wlio will be equal to the immense t-aslc awaiting him. .Hence “outsiders” should be invited to apply for the position. If the final choice should fall on a New Zealander, thci new Director will feel that lie has gained his laurels against all comers, and is entitled to- the whole-hearted support, not only ot the teaching* profession, but of the whole community.