Mengesta N94 of 493 Paper 1-31.
Comments on Dr Eitel's Letter No 57..
127
by the Head Master of Victoria College. (Numbers refer to paragraphs in Dr Eitel's letter)
2 Or Eitel's claim to be called Head of the Education Department.
During the absence on leave of Dr Stewart, who held the two offices, Inspector of Schools and Head Master of Govt Central School, Dr Eitel was gazetted as Acting Inspector and Head of Education Department, Gazette 1878 p 91. When the offices were separated Dr Eitel is gazetted simply Inspector of Schools, Gazette 1879 p. 163.
It is to be noted that Dr Eitel first employed the title "Head of Educational Department" as an appendage to his signature at the end of his Report, Gazette 1891 p. 503. It would appear, therefore, that for twelve years he was under the impression that Inspector of Schools was his lawful title.
As regards Victoria College however there is no doubt. Every Secretary of State has used the phrase "The examination held by the Inspector of Schools." In paragraphs 2 + 14 of his letter No57, Dr Eitel lays great stress on the fact that his "position and duties were [this year] not those of an Inspector of Schools", and disclaims responsibility because until quite lately his authority as Head of the Education Dept. with respect to that one Government School was not allowed to extend beyond annual examination.
It is clear then that he does not base his claim to this position on his Acting Appointment in 1878 fifteen years ago. I have received no intimation of a change in our mutual official relations. C.S.O. Letter 7:2629.