THE HON G. FOWLDS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9213, 16 April 1908, Page 3

THE HON G. FOWLDS.

VISIT TO KAIAPOI

The Hon George Fowlds, Minister of Education, paid a visit to Kaiapoi this morning, going out by motor-car. The Mayor (Mr H. Blackwell), in welcoming the Minister, said that this was the first time that Mr Fowlds had paid an official visit to the borough, and they were sure that he was heartily welcome. He congratulated Mr Fowlds on his appointment to the position of Minister of Education, and said that in his hands the welfare of the children of the dominion would be well cared for. They would all watch with interest "f he administration of the Department under the Minister. Kaiapoi was very fortunate in having residents who took a keen interest in matters pertaining to education.

The Minister thanked the Mayor and citizens for their cordial welcome, and said that they had good reason to be proud of Kaiapoi, which was a town with a history, and a reputation. The industries of Kaiapoi had carried their name to the uttermost ends of the earth. He referred to the interest taken in education by the people, and said that though, as Minister of Education, he had to put up with criticism, .he never objected to it if the criticism revealed a mistake. He was always ready to take advantage of criticism, as it developed character, and made a man more alert in the discharge of his duty. Education was one of the most important questions in any country, and during the last eight or nine years there had been a growing interest in it in New Zealand. They had one of the best systems in the world, and though the cost had increased, they were now getting better value for their money. The system was nowadays more unified and complete, it opened the pathway to the university for the poorest child in the country, and the free places in schools had resulted in a larger amount of interest being taken in higher education. This was supplemented by a fairly satisfactory system of technical education, and though in other countries, notably in Germany, many subjects were more highly specialised, New Zealand had a*good all-round system". The buildings and equipment were the beat in the dominion, and | the schools were doing good work under I a capable staff. He was very glad to visit Kaiapoi. The Mayor introduced a deputation regarding the technical school, and said that the difficulty was to find accommodation. He detailed the disabilities under which the borough was labouring, and asked for help. The Minister said that his difficulty was in finding enough money for all requirements, but he would give the matter the most favourable consideration that was possible. Mr Fowlds then visited the borough school, and was received by the headmaster, the Cadets forming a guard of honour. The classrooms were all visited, and a half-holiday was granted the children.

The Minister was then shown through the woollen mills, and after being entertained at lunch left for Christchnro.h.

In. the afternoon Mr D. Bnddo, M.P., introduced a deputation of Maoris from Tuahiwi, headed by Mr W. TJru. The Natives spoke of the removal of the master and also referred to the change of control r>roposod Mr Fowlds promised them that anything: that was don© would be for the benefit of the settlement, and said that the present master would not leave unless he wished to.