“WOULD NOT HAVE HIS JOB”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16424, 12 May 1921, Page 5

“WOULD NOT HAVE HIS JOB”

MR PARR ON MINISTER OF FINANCE.

[Per Press Association.! WELLINGTON, May 11. Speaking at the Technical School teachers’ deputation to the Minister of Education to-day, Mr M’Williams referred to the question of expenditure on education. They realised that economy was necessar.y, but it should be true economy. In view of the increased burdens taken by England in education New Zealand should follow that lead. The Minister asked if the figures had been comparedMr M*Williams said he believed there was a greater percentage of increase m England. The Minister: Have you considered the expenditure per head Y Mr M'Williams said that New Zealand. he believed, wan higher. It was usually so in the smaller country. They regarded education, particularly technical education, as an insurance against social unrest. The seeds of Bolshevism did not flourish in Germany to the same exent as in Russia, because of the superior education of the people. Replying later to questions regarding salaries the Minister, the # Hon. C. J. Parr, said it might he possible to adjust matters here and there. “ But.” he Enid, “I think T ought to tell you quite plainly that with my inside knowledge of the financial situation of the country and the public finances 1 am unable to hold out anv great hopes of increasing your salaries at the present time D, is fortunate, indeed, that we tackled tho task last year.” It was quite unnecessary, he added for them to bring the importance of education before him- “ Some people say that Parr is mad on education, so you had better go to people that are not.'* A member of the deputation: What about the Minister of Finance? Mr Parr : T don't think you had better go to the Minister of Finance just now. I would not have his job for all the tea in China.