OTAGO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

Bruce Herald, Volume XII, Issue XII, 11 November 1879, Page 3

OTAGO EDUCATION AL INSTITUTE

MILTON BRANCH. The members of this I istitution held their monthly meeting on Saturday afternoon at the Hi"h School, when the following gentlemen attended ;— Messrs Malcolm (chairman), C iristie, Youugson, M'Duff, Alldom, and the Rev. Mr Chisholm. In the absence of Mr T. BrowD, MrM'Dnff acted as Secretary, and read the minuces of last meeting, which were confirmed. home discussion arose as to the desirability of a more suitable time being tix^d for holding the annual general meetiag ia Dunediu, a.id which had. Licherto been held at Easter. On the motion of Mr Youngson, seconded by Mr M'Duff, it was decided that no alteration in the time of meeting take place. Mr Malcolm did not think it honorable to the profession that their meetings were so thinly acttnded im the present one, aud then proceeded to read a paper on "Physical Training, an Educative Principle," the Rev Mr Caishohn taking the chair. The reader introduced his subject in an able manner, alluding to the great change which, during the laso few years, had come over the opinions of educationalists as regards the value of a physical course of training in cur common sshoola. He pointed out the necessity which existed for training the body as well as the mind, showing clearly that the two had to go together to produce satisfactory results. Mr Malcolm also remarked that the teachers could do much to improve matters ia respect of physical training, but aided that the country must do a great deal morn than it appeared to be inclined to do under this important head. He divided his subject into three parts ; I. Physical cleanliness; 2 Physic jl development by exercise ; 3. The regulation of the bodily functions. The great necessity for personal cleanliness was clearly pointed out, as well as the requisite tidiness of school buildingp, surrounding--, furniture, playground, &c. The children should also came to school with clean clothing, faces and hand?, aud with their hair properly combed, pointing out that there was room for great improvement in this line. Mr Malcolm remarked that the teacher should show that the laws of health were violated by all dirty habits. He nexfc dwelt on physical development, showing that it r< quired the exercise of the muscular system ; and that the more regular and scientific this training was, the more perfect would be the physical education. The playground formed an important part, and the sports the children indulged in should be superintended by the teacher as far as possible. I a niauy schools no time was allowed on the playground, excepting between the forenoon and afternoon, which was a grave error in judgment, and calculated to act deleteriously on the system. Having dwelt on the details in this respect to some length, including military drill, &c, Mr Malcolm proceeded in an able manner to speak on the regulation of the bodily functions, advocating the teaching of

drawing and music as essential to the proper cultivation of the mind. He alluded to the five gateways of knowledge as they have been beautifully described by the late Professor Wilson, pointing to a pr»pe»ly fitted system of training, and also showed the necessity which existed tor teaching the pupils how to conduct themselves in the moat appropriate manner. Mr Malcolm Baid that, whenever practicable, they should receive lessons in physiology and the laws of health. He closed an able and exhaustive address by advocating a thorough physical education of the children, under careful supervision, as requisite for raising the physique, health, and bearing of our whole people, for the increase of mental and moral power, improvement of the race, and conse quent diminution of poverty, misery and crime, which were, in great measure, the result of the neglect of physical training. la order to enable teachers to impart knowledge of physiology, School Comtnittets should be more liberal. Mi Youngson, ia a few appropriate remarks, wherein he readily endorsed Mr Malcolm's opinions, had much pleasure io proposing a vote of tnanks to that gentleman for his highly interesting address. Mr A3 Duff seconded the motion, adding that ! they were under great obligations to Mr Malcolm for having brought the subject s» ably before them. The Rev Mr Chisholm thought Mr Malcolm's address very exhaustive. Education had too long been looked upon ia a very partial way, and Mr Malcolm's suggestions tended to develop all the powers of the body, and might work great improvements. Habits formed at school would stick to children through life ; the paper just read appealed to common sense, and carried conviction with it. The whole nature must be educated, including physical as well as moral training. Tae vote having been duly carried, Mr Malcolm returned thanks, expressing regret that there were not more present to discuss the matter. Mr M\Dufi." gave notice that he would read a paper at the next monthly meeting. Mr Mtlcolm remarked that arrangements might be made in future to state beforehand what su-ject they would road a paper on, so that they would be better prepared, and the Secretary was reqiiested to draw up a form for that purpose. The next monthly meeting was fixed for the second Saturday in December, at 2.30 p.m.