NEED STRESSED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 134, 9 June 1938, Page 14

NEED STRESSED.

EDUCATION BY MAIL.

CHRISTCHTJRCH SUGGESTION. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. A suggestion that those living in country districts be given an opportunity of securing technical education by correspondence is to be sent to the Minister of Education. Hon. P. Fraser, by the board of governors of the Christchurch Technical College. The subject was introduced at a meeting of the board in a report submitted by the chairman, Mr. T. W . West, and other members spoke in support of the idea. Mr. West's report said:— '"The need for technical instruction in remote districts comes under the notice of most of us when we travel in the country, and the principal of the college states that he has applications at times for correspondence courses. The matter is one that can hardly be dealt with by any individual college, but is one for the consideration of the Education Department. and I feel thaT we would be well justified in placing it before the Minister of Education. The correspondence school of the Department is working very successfully in the primary section, and it is understood that there is a large and growing secondary department as well. "Technical education, being required .for people of all ages, is just as essential for many people in the country, and a variety of subjects could be covered by it. The technique of workshop, agricultural, scientific and housecraft practice cannot well be taught by correspondence, but farmers and their wives, engineers, builders and others could, nevertheless, obtain much valuable instruction from it.

"Frequently men engaged in practical work need instruction, mainly in the theory side of their work, and it would be possible. for example, to help engineers, plumbers and builders to prepare for technological examinations in their trades. The same service could be utilised to help in the study of literature, art and science."

Members generally supported the proposal to send the suggestions on to the Minister of Education, a further suggestion beinjr that farm workers taking correspondence courses might at slack times on the farm come to the city for a week's practical work.