N.Z. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE CONVERSAZIONE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 67, 21 March 1887, Page 2

N.Z. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE CONVERSAZIONE.

A conversazione in connection with the local branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute took place on Friday evening last, in the Choral Hall, was largely attended, and paseod off vory pleasantly indeed. Mr E. M. C. Harrison (Headmaster of Beroeford-streot School) presided, and thero wore aleo present upon the platform Messrs J. U. Upton (Board of Education), W Gorrie (Chairman City Schools Committee), Rev. E. if. Gulliver (Principal Training College), and Meesra H. Worthington, J. Lcucurd, A. Gilford, D. O'Donoghuo, Kov. J. Bates, and Mr Nowcombo. Tho Chairman delivered a very interesting opening address, in tho course of which ho emphasised tho valuo and importance of a Provident Fund for teachers, referred to tho fact that in the South tho syllabus was considored excessive and burdensome, pointed out the necessity of breaking down tho sense of isolation under which teachera laboured, and dwelt upon the pernicious effects of the passion for the attainment cf high Dorcantagea in standard examinations. Upon this last point his remarks were especially forcible. He deplored this inordinate craving for high percentages, inasmuch as it rendered the work of the teachers increasingly difficult and distressi»g, and was likely to produce mer6 superficiality in the pupils. For his own part, ho bad til ways consistently and determinedly set his face against it. It was an uneatiefactory test of work. Their true aim and purpose were to lay firmly and solidly the foundations of i»n enduring and thorough oducation, and ho thorefore protested against standard percentages being taken as a fair test and meuauro of the work dono in our schools. Young children shauld not be forced like hot-houso flowers beyond their strength and natural dovclopmont. The Kov. E. 11. Gulliver followed uilh a c.i]jitftl address on the working of tho Training College. He eaid that it was no mc-to institution for tho imparting of secondary education, although, of course, its coureo necessarily partook of a moaeuro of higher education. I's bueinoss was tofioroughly equip tho primary teachers for tho work expected of them. Amongst other things they were bound to study tho inent.il development cf the child nature, and he hoped in future to soo still greater attention pnid to this study, which had been too much neglected 'o far. He hoped also to bo ablo to introduce a greater mcaauro of training in science. Tho speaker also likewise stress upon the value and nocossity of studying tho educational systems of other countries 80 as to counteract our besetting danger of becoming too insular. He desired to see a kind of solidarity about our educational system. Mr Henry Worthington reid a thoughtful paper upon tho importance of unity amongst tho members of tho teaching profession. Thonco ho proceeded to dilateupon tho duty of those who suporvieod

educational

machine

frequently consult ongnged in working it.

those who wore In this connection

ho said:—" Many persons honest in thoir intentions, and desirous of producing the bost results, who by reason of their social or political position have been investod with authority in the educational world, have failed to produce tho ends they aimed at, because they wont to their work without knowledge and disdained to seek advico from those known to be masters of the art. In nich important matters as the choice of reading and text-books, methods of instruction, the granting or withholding of holidays, wo continually observe the most lamentable mietakos, many of which may and would have been avoided if tho voice of the expert had bpen listened to. The New Zealand Educational Institute—and may I say the Auckland branch as much as any - deeirea co to influence and guide public opinion in this colony that iv future mutters connected with our olcnjcntary and eocoudary schools shall be decided on only when duo weight and consideration have been given to the opinioua of those who kuow most about them. And we have much cause for selfcongratulation and hope for the immediate future, for several beneficial changO3 havo already been made, and others are in course of progress and adoption—the results of the recommendations mado by tho Council of the Institute at the meetings held in Auckland, Dunedin, and Christehurch." He thereforo called upon all teachers to support tho Auckland branch. Messrs A. Gifford and J. Lennard also spoke, explaining somo of the more important questions that wero considered by tho Institute at ita reconl conference in Christchurcb.

Mr .T. H. Upton laid stress upon the question of the proper training of pupil roachors. lie also took occasion to remind Mr Worthington that tho Board of Education had adopted tho school books at present in use upon tho report and recommendation of three inspectors, tho then principal of the Training College, and the six leading headmasters of schools. In conclusion ha expreseeel surprise that there were not more representatives of secondary education prosent. Ho thought the primary schools went a little too far in what they taught, while tho secondary schools began at too olomontary a stage. (Hear hoar).

Mr VV. Gorrio also delivered an addros?, in which he roforrod to the pleasure with which he attendod tho mootincs of thu Institute.

_ The following programme of vocal and instrumental items was rondored very euccoasfully :—Song, " Tho Desert," Mr Uanwell; pianoforte solo, Mias Colemaa ; song, "KathleenMavourneen," Mrs Geddis • pianoforte solo, Mirs Westwood; duet (violin and piano), Misses Harrison and Harden ;. eong, " WillVtho-Wiep," Mr Hence ; song, " Auntie " Mies Mulcan ; pianforto eolo, Miss Hope; recitation 'Gordon at Khartoum," Mies Sara Mill. v otes of thanks were paeeed by acclamation to the performers, the Committee of Management, and to the chairman, after which tho nail was cleared for dancing, which was enjoyed for Eeveral hours, LieutenantUolonel Mahon acting as M.C.