EDUCATION NEEDS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 201, 11 June 1929, Page 6

EDUCATION NEEDS.

PROFESSOR HUNTER’S VIEWS.

{Per Press Association.) HAMILTON, June 10. Professor Hunter, vice-chancellor of the University of New Zealand, in an article in the “Waikato Times,” urges a thorough revision of the whole education system. He notes: “An increasing lethargy and boredom among the children of primary schools, whereas interest and enthusiasm are found in the kindergartens. Interest should be kept up, but not by the introduction of work solely useful from economic aspects.” Professor Hunter thinks that in all secondary schools there should be opportunity for the expression of creative impulses by means of handicraft _ and art work, with gradual specialising. All these schools would then have the good features of the present technical schools. Trade schools would also be needed by young people in employment. For these Professor Hunter hopes that a half-time system will be arranged. He mentions the present rivalry among high schools, technical schools and primary schools for the possession of children above the fourth standard, and says that whatever decision is reached should not be influenced by this rivalry.