The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 1901. TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LI, Issue 2590, 19 July 1901, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 1901. TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

South Canterbury certainly seems to lead the older North in educational enterprise. It was the South Cantei I - bury Board who first took steps to 3Stablish those enormous boons to isolated country places, viz., District High Schools; and it was the example of Waiinate and the presence amongst us of a gentleman who had seen the school successfully working that led to the establishment of our own District High School.

In the newer matter of Technical Education the South is also taking vexy strong interest. .Not only in Tiinavu, but in Temuka, a town more on all-fours with Akaroa, great prominence has been given to the subject, and a most interesting article appears in the "Temuka Leader," of July 16th, on " The Temuka Technical and Continuation Classes." It appears that the Committee of the Association which is endeavouring to establish these classes has issued a circular, which is being widely distributed in the borough, and also in adjoining districts, points out that the Government are making certain graGts for the maintenance of Continuation and Technical Classes in different parts of the colony. These grants consist of (1) a capitation based on the number of attendances made by the pupils at the various classes; (2) subsidies equal to £1 for every £1 raised by voluntary contributions or public subscription. Such local bodies as tLe load Boards, County and Borough Councils huve also power to make contributions to the association.

and on these contributions the Government subsidy will also be paid. The minimum annual membership subscription to the association is five shillings, a life membership is two guineas, and the Government subsidy is also payable on these amounts. The committee solicits the influence of the public generally in inducing pupils to attend the various classes, and thus add to the usefulness of the association. The proposed subjects of instruction for the continuation classes are English, shorthand, arithmetic, mathematics, bookkeeping, and mechanical and other kinds of drawing, and intending pupils may i eceive instruction in any one or more of these subjects. Each pupil will most probably be required to pay a small but almost nominal fee.- In the technical classes the proposed subjects of instruction are practical geometry, painting, building construction (including brickwork), masonry, carpentry, joinery, smiths-work, plumbers' and painters' work), dressmaking, plain cooking, and laundry work. A class will not be es-

tubHshed unless a sufficient number of pupils enter for it, and it should be specially remembered that any person in the community, whether male or female, may become a member of any class and receive the instruction it furnishes. Of course, pupils actually attending school cannot attend the classes; a sepaiate provision is made for their instruction during school hours. The " Leader " expected these classes would be open in a fortnight, and in conclusion says : " We cannot impress too strongly, on our young people especially, the necessity of attending these classes. They will be instructed by competent teachers, and will receive a training and education thacj cannot fail go be of the highest service to them for life. At the end of each term certificates will be granted to those wno have attended the classes, showing their proficiency in the subjects they have been studying, and these certificates should be of special value to those who are seeking employment.

These are certainly opinions we gladly echo, and it is a matter for the consideration of residents as to whether they should follow the road so enthusiastically pointed out by the Temuka settlers.