HON. H. ATMORE.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17991, 9 April 1930, Page 5

HON. H. ATMORE.

A SUCCESSFUL TOUR. VISIT TO CONVENT SCHOOL. WELFARE OF THE CHILDREN. (By Telegraph—Special to Times.) TAUPIRI, Wednesday. At the Ngaruawahia School the Minister of Education was greeted by Mr A. R. Ravner, chairman of the committee, and Mr F. Kibblewhite, headmaster, and addressed the children. Mr Kibblewhite said a politician was concerned with the next election and a statesman with the next generation. He preferred to regard Mr Atmore as a statesman because he was actively concerned with the next generation. At Convent School, Addressing the teachers and children at the Catholic Convent school at Ngaruawahia, Mr Atmore said ignorance was one of the greatest enemies of mankind, and if they banished ignorance they would acomplish a greater feat than St. Patrick did when he banished snakes from Ireland. Any Minister of Education would be taking a very narrow view if he did not encourage every form of educational effort. It was very pleasing to see the fine open-air building which had been erected by the Catholics of Ngaruawahia. The Education Department should aim for a higher and better system. He reminded them that whether they belonged to the Church or the State they were all New Zealanders. Replying, Mr P. Feeney mentioned that the school had been erected two years, and was attended by about 100 children. He pointed out that by removing a large number of pupils from the primary school the Catholics had afforded relief, and in view of this he expressed the hope that the Minister would offer further assistance. A warm welcome to the Minister was accorded by the Rev. Mother Augustia, headmistress, who said it was the first time in her teaching experience that a minister had visited her school. Before the party left the children gave a One rendering of “ God Defend New Zealand.” At Taupiri. At Taupiri the Minister was received by Mr H. Wright, chairman of the school committe, and Mr F. C. Day, headmaster. . Mr Wright said the committee had no requests to make, and had always been well treated by the Department. He mentioned that Mr T. T. White, who was present, had been on the committee serving continuously for 33 years, and was for many years chairman. He hoped the department might recognise his services in some "way in the near future. “ I realise that you, as Minister, have no i security of tenure,” he added, “ but, I sincerely hope that you will hold the portfolio for some years to come.” Mr A. Burns, Chairman of the Education Board, and Mr F. Lye, M.P., also addressed the children. The Minister was greeted with cheers after replying and asking for a holiday.

VISIT TO HUNTLY. VALUE OF SEEING CONDITIONS. SYMPATHY WITH TEACHERS. (By Telegraph—Special to Times.) HUNTLY', Wednesday. Heavy showers and a thunderstorm at Huntly school made it necessary to crowd 450 children into a long corridor in the building, in order that the Minister could address them. The party was introduced and welcomed by Mr K. S. Caldwell in the absence of the chairman of the committee, Mr G. Smith. Addressing the children on the customary lines the Minister mentioned that every school’s needs would be considered in pending changes in the educational system. No Minister of Education could properly appreciate the order of-urgency of requirements unless he saw the conditions for himself. Mr Atmore remarked to the teachers that all reasonable requests of their representatives would be acceded to if finances allowed. He sympathised with teachers’ problems, and expressed pleasure in coming into touch with those engaged in a great national cooperative effort. It was the intention of the department to remedy the great disparity in the salaries of headmasters of secondary and primary schools. The Minister concluded by quoting lines from Kipling’s “ If,” and was cheered lustily before leaving. An Ovation at Ohinewal. At the little two-roomed school of Ohinewai, containing 48 children, the Minister was accorded a great ovation. He is the first Minister to visit the district. Miss Baston, headmistress, and Mr Foster, chairman of the committee, extended a warm welcome. About Christmas, the headmistress’ residence near the school was destroyed by fire, and all her property was lost. Application had been made for a new residence. The Minister promised to have the matter expedited. Technical Education for Huntly. A conference will be held at Huntly later this afternoon, when leading citizens will urge on the Minister the necessity of providing better facilities for technical education.