FAREWELL.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18674, 24 April 1926, Page 15

FAREWELL.

SIR JAMES PARR LEAVES. A LAST WORD TO TKACHKES. (rasas usoeuTto* mnma.) \\TaLLINGTON, April S3. Sir Junes Parr, is a farewell mt#» sago to the teachers of New Zealand, stated yesterday that be wit of opinion that a new sense of the teal importance of the national system of education was being developed, a system which he believed would equalise Um opportunities of all children, and do much towards finding for then their true vocation in post-sehdol day*. "I desire," stated the Minister, when speaking to a reporter, "to addross to tho teachers of New Zealand a few words of farewell. Thia day. of all the davs in the «* years mace t took over the portfolio of Education, w to mo most full of feeling, for I have learned to low my work in the aerrife of education, and to value the many friendships which it has been my privilege to form with teacher* in schools throughout the country. And attw I break with all these interests for good and all." . . The last few days, he coatfaaod, had been full to tho brim with work and bustlo, and now he feH the ffrtnok of parting. With regard to the work unfinished—for in his opinion there way no end to edacational exp<Srin>eirtß aaa progress—he was. corftforted Ijy wM thought that during his ten® ©f«Oe* some advanoo had been made, tbaanw largely to the generous support afforded oy nis colleagues in the wOtenunent, and etill more to the wholehearted cooperation of the teachers. "I am sure," continued the mn» ister, "that we have developed a <fttlckened sense of the real fDtietlOS and value of education. There is a newer and deeper interest in it« baafr aiais and purposes. The Junior Wgb SduxfL <«ln this connexion the Junior Itigk Schtjol has, from tho beginning greatly appealed to me. It seems to .be based on sound pedagogy and sound common sense, ana to sif6rd better means for fosterilg tine demoefiwijr, by giving both pupils and teachers a keener interest in their school Work, and above all, enabling hoys and glfl* to obtain a better preparation fdt pottsehool life." Be beloved that a a#sr sense of >the real impdrtanoO of tw national system of education' W'M bente developed, a system whioh would equalise the opportunities of allchildMii, bjf providing first rate. facilities where. with true oulture, and a differentiation of courses. As the period of actual employment approached, if children coiiH be 86 Educated that they in aftef life mWht find their true vocation, and know hew to enjoy their leisure time, then they would go far towards realising BttSkln s ideal: "When men are rightly occupied, then amusement grotf• out of their work as the colour petals out of a fruitful flower." ■ ■ , ■ ... <( We have made a beginning," added the Miniiter. "I leave the work in your hands. Upon ypu depends the destiny of future New Zealand* I leave # you confident that your seal ia your high calling win enable you to eany this responsibility 'with the same high sense of duty as you have shown during my years of office." .