“I WILL NOT CONSIDER IT FOR A MOMENT.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17864, 4 June 1926, Page 15

“I WILL NOT CONSIDER IT FOR A MOMENT.”

MR COATES GIVES HIS VIEWS ON ART UNIONS. (Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND. June 3. For the second time within the week the Prime Minister has not minced words in giving his opinion of art unions and in expressing his determination that they shall stop. Replying to a deputation in his own electorate, Mr Coates said: “I will tell you in *a few words what I think about j'our art union suggestion. I will not consider it for a moment.” A member of the Raupo Drainage Board had suggested that, failing the Government making a grant for some essential works, the money should be raised by means of an art union, and he asked Mr Coates whether the proposal would be entertained. The matter also arose at a meeting of the Education Board. “ I think the adults have been educated in art unions lately, but I do not think we should educate the children in them,’’ said Mr A. Bums, the chairman, when a letter, was received from the Rotowaro School Committee asking the board’s advice as to the propriety of conducting an art union to raise funds. “ I suggest a * Roll Down,’ ” one member volunteered. “ I suppose every member of the board has a ticket in an art union, all the same,” remarked the chairman. It was decided that the method suggested by the committee was not suitable.