THE SCHOOL WORLD.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1108, 22 April 1911, Page 14

THE SCHOOL WORLD.

A WEEKLY REVIEW. NOTES FROM TOWN AND COUNTRY, Teachers and olhors interested in the administration of education arc invited to ™" fnl) utc notes fop publication in Tlio School World." These should bo addressed to the Editor, "The School World," Tut! Dominion". Wellington, and posted to r«arh this office not later than Wednesday in each week. Correspondents desiring enlightenment upon any question in connection with the school work, or the central administration of the education system, are invited to submit these points to the tditor for elucidation and reply. Where anonymity is desired, it will be strictly observed.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. , "Parent".—Tho question of homework is a very difficult one, and can best be settled by an appeal to tho common sense of those concerned. Educationists agree that a reasonable amount of homework is a good thing lor tho pupil, both as a kind of discipline and as an aid io tho school work, in tho disciplinary sense, the task of preparing a set amouii't ot work to bo scrutinised on the following day involves a degree of personal application and concentration of elfort which tend to develop a conscientious habit of mind. As an aid to. school- work, (he home preparation may strengthen the- impressions of-the day's teaching, and pave the way, by disposing of certain necessary matter which must bo memorised, tor the next day's teaching. ' To insist upon, a prescribed amount of home preparation, tiie teacher must bo rcasonablo in his demands, and carefully consider such peculiar circumstances in his district as may directly affect the leisure .hours of lna pupils. A certain set of circumstances m a particular district, or in a-particular family, may combine to make, it quite impossible for tho pupils to prepare home-work without overstrain, benerally speaking, the junior section of the school should not bo asked to lireP . aTe i , ll V mo le?sons - the middle school should bo given only a moderate, amount of memory work, while the senior classes would do proportionately more. There is some difference of opinion as to whether or not it is advisable to set any home-work- involving tho use of pen anil ink. ■■ Many teachers do, but one is inclined to uphold the principle that all written work should be done in school, under tho expert supervision of tho teacher. Parents should hesitate before declining to meet the wishes of tho teacher in regard io the preparation of. home-work, andcarofullyxonsidcr how far their attitude is likely to affect tho interests of their children. There are two very important "don'ts" for teachers in connection with home-work—"Don't set too much home-work, and don't, set homework lust for the sake of setting it, as a pertunctory observance, so to speak." Homework should be reasonable as to tho amount, having regard to all the circumstances, and it should have a direct, essential, and valuable bearing on tho current school work; if it has not, then it had better not be set at all. Plus that, a. sympathetic understanding between tho parents and the teacher is worth cultivation.

A SCHOOL DISTURBANCE. "SCENE" AT LONGBURN. At the Magistrate's Court at Miners- , ton iSorth last-week publicity was given to an unpleasant "scone" which dccuri'ed at the Longburri School reccntlv, when one of the lady assistants (Miss Dumbleton) was made the recipient of sorao abusive language from an irate parent (Mrs. Victor Richardson) and lier daughter (Miss Daisy Ilichardson), for having detained two of the Richardson children after school and strapping one of them, the. matter was reported to the Waiigamn Education Board, which ordered a prosecution. Defendants were charged with: 1. Abusing Miss Ruby Dumbleton, assistant teacher at the Longburn School. 2. Disturbing the Longburn School. Miss Dumbleton stated in evidence that on the. day of the occurrence she kept flight or nine'children in after school, including two of Mrs. Richardson's children. About 3.30 p.m. the door was thrown open and Miss Daisy Richardson came in exclaiming, "What do you want to kill our Jiddie for?" The boy had previously refused to do his work, and witness strapped him once. Ho howled dreadfully but had stopped crying before the defendants arrived. Mrs. Richardson came in after her daughter and denounced witness, as "the wickedest, crudest woman God ever made." Defendants, when told to go, refused to leave tho schoolroom; ■Witness again asked defendants to leave lift room, saying that if they took the children away they would receive their punishment on tho morrow. At last Daisy said "Come on mother, don't talk to her ■ !i 1s -l " (" ero tho defendant •'called tho witness an objectionable-name), and then left with the two children. During i m tlle c,lil drei( had ceased their work. ,Sho had been at Longburn School closo on a month; she did not keen children in frequently after school hours, and very seldom used the strap. Mr. F. Hankin, the headmaster, stated that ho gave the defendants a chance to apologise. The first note ho sent them was returned unopened. Then he wrote to Mr. Richardson, asking him to get his wife to apologise. Daisy Richardson, one of tho defendants, stated ni:her evidence that'some children informed her that the teacher was beating her • brother. . She .told her mother, and they went to. the school. Witness, opened the door of plaintiff's room and called out "Eddie;?* Plaintiff said "Out." She asked plaintiff why she had the boy crying. Plaintiff said he "was not crv;ng now. Her mother then came aiid told witness to "shut up." She did not hear her mother say anything trj the nlamtift.; She did not use the abusive language, but said to her mother, "Come on, mother; don't waste vour breath over her; she is not wortli it.'" Mrs. Richardson, the other defendant, denied saying to herself that she "would kill the woman."' Plaintiff had told her that her children had a bad character, that one had been expelled, and the other two would bo sent awav next day. Witness said to tho plaintiff, "You bad, wickoil girl.' All, Daisy said was, "Come, along, mother; don t waste your breath over her; she is not worth it." The teacher had no right to say her children had a bad character, and she had deliberately cut tho boy across tho wrM not the hand. Any woman would go to protect her child if sho was a woman at all. The plaintiff said to them, "Go 1" just as if they were dons. ' His Worship (Mr. Thomson) said ho was satisfied both defendants disturbed the school and abused Miss Dumbleton inls kind of thing should bo stopped If parents had a grievance they should complain to the headmaster. On (lie charge of disturbing defendants would be convicted and discharged with costs ,61-lGs and on that of abusing tliev. would be convicted and discharged. He had been lenient becausn no fine was asked for, but defendants had acted verv wrongly Most people will agree'that tho punishment imposed by. the. maeistrate was lenient. . It was ridiculously lenient, for tho offence was a verv serious une and committed under circumstances which ' threatened to disorganise the discipline of : tho school and lower the prestige of the. ■ teachers in the eyes of the children who ' were present on that occasion. i

ONE-DAY-A-WEEK COURSES. TECHNICAL CLASSES IN TARANAKI. A one-day-a-wcek course is to bo offered to boys and youths who cannot spare the time to attend full-time at the Stratford and New Plymouth Technical Schools (states the "News"). Classes will bo held in Now Plymouth after tho arrival of tho 11 trajn, and will finish in time to enable Iho students lo catch tho ■120 train. Tho course embraces farm carpentry, farm metal work, mensuration and surveying, dairy work, and Agricultural instruction. Those completing tho First year's courso will go on , noxt'vear, to the senior courso in farriery, veterinary science, and more advanced work Those holding proficiency certificates may attend fren and obtain a railway pnss Others will pay .'los. for the course, and,' if under 16, may pot a riuartcrlv ticket on tho railway for 10s.; if under 20 Iho ticket will cost 20s. This is a move in advance, and several have already signified their intention of availing themselves o£ the opportunity. It is desired

to start the course shortly after Easter, fp all desirous of joining'should give in their names at once. At least twelve students are required.

SPORTS AT WAIPAWA. A SUCCESSFUL MEETING. The united schools sports meeting which was held at AYaipawa un Tuesday last was a great success. The meeting, t!;e first of its kind, attracted contestants from Onga Onga, Hampden, liuataniwha, AYaipukuraii, Otane, and Waipawa >choois. A pretty display was given by the girls of the Waipawa .School—maypole and the dumb-bell, vlub, wand, sash and flag drill. The boys of the same school gave a display of musketry drill. The Waipawa District High School staff, assisted by a committee of townspeople, were responsible for tho inauguration and carrying out of tho sports. .Air. J. I'. KeanC. who was an energetic and capable .secretary, desires to acknowledge' the assistance received from Mr. Bissell, of Onga Onga, and Mr. Garry, of Otaue. 1\ racketsecured Mr. Bo.wen's silver cun for highest, points (2-1) gained in championship events, and M. Monro, as runner-un with 17 points, received Mr. T. Williams's silver medal. E. Ingletoii, with 15 points, takes Mr. T. N. Bloor's silver shoe-horn, etc., for highest aggregate for girls' championship events, and M. Bloor, with 8 points, receives Mrs. Thompson's silver-mounted manicure set for runner-up. Tho prizes gained _were presented by the Mayoress, Mrs. AA r . I. Limbrick, and tho Mayor congratulated all concerned on the success achieved.

THE SCHOOLS FROM WJTHIM.

NEWS AND NOTES. Judging from the correspondence, which has been received of late, interest in the School World is spreading, the narents arn beginning to evince a henlthy"and intelligent interest in the condition and progress of the schools in their districts. Tho following budget of news from various sources is to hand:—

Newtown District High School. At tho last annual picnic of the Newtown District High School it was found necessary to postpono tho school sports till a later date. Tho programme was carried out on Wednesday last, at Newtown Park, in perfect weather. There was a largo attendanco of parents and scholars, and everybody worked with a will to innko the occasion a success. The chief events were the boys' championship race, girls', chamnioushio race, and the mothers' race. Each class in the school had also its own special programme of events. Scott won tho boys' championship, with Sinclair and Lloyd as runnersup., Tho mothers' race, witnessed by an interested crowd of spectators, resulted as follows:—Mrs. Mathews, 1; Mrs Xumer, 2; Mrs. Jones, 3; Mrs. Hickling, i- J. he prizes were a flower-stand, iced cake, and two largo boxes of tea, presented by Messrs. Martin, Fisher, and Wylie. The chief donors of prizes were: Mr. w V V S gh ,t' 3 , [ - P - Dr - Cameron, Messrs. })■}■■ !V lJ ?, rbcr ' Wylie, J. Martin, a. Martin, Castle, Copelancl, Craighead, lou-nos, Luxford, Bell, Collie, Fisher Caterer, Osborn, Hornblow, Stone, Crosby, Edginton, Cooper and Garrard, Sexton, Read, Campbell, Caterer, George, Mrs; Jones, and many others. These donations combined with the handsomo gift ot tho Mar Picture proprietors, permitted of the distribution of considerably over. 500 prizes and presents. Miss Woodward, of tho teaching staff, wlw has been away ill for the last fivo weeks, returned to duty after the Easter holidays.

Mr. Strack, a member of the staff, who is visiting Auckland as a delegate from Victoria College in connection with tho University Tournament recently held there, is expected lo return on Friday, Masterton District High School. The final meeting of the present committee of the Masterton District High School was held last. week. The treasurer reported a credit balance to date of £16 12s. 3d.

The chairman stated that there was a probability of securing a further subsidy of .to from tho Education Board for the miniature rillo range. ' Tho l-ango was now ready for the official opening, and tho Museum would bo completed in a week or ten days. It was suggested that the official opening of the two institutions be fixed for either Thursday, April 27, or Thursday, May i. The clearing of the specimens and cases in the Museum had been a heavy task, but tho remainder of the work could be completed in time for either of the opening days mentioned. The chairman (Mr. K. Brown) said that both these institutions ivero a credit to the school and district, and that the committee should do everything to make the opening arrangements as complete as possible. He suggested that a committee of all the members of the School Committee, together with tho headmaster, : should make .the necessary arrangements for tho opening, and that the Acting-Minister for Defence and the Minister for Education be asked to be present. This was agreed to, and it was decided to issue invitations to the Mavor and councillors, Trust Lands Trustees managers of tho Masterton Technical School, and representatives of other bodies, to bo present. Tho opening date was arranged for Thursday, May i, subject to this date being convenient to the Ministers for Defence and : Education. Mr. Jackson, the headmaster, reported that tho attendance during the past month was: Main School, roll 634; average attendance, C 01; percentage of attendance, 95. Side School, 17C, 159, 90secondary classes; CG, 63, 95. A number of children in the infant classes at the Side School had been ill with mcasli-s during tho last-week or two, and this had reduced tho attendanco somewhat 'In spite of this, however, tho attendance for the three departments was on the whole, highly satisfactory. It was with great pleasure that ho was able to report .that the attendance for the whole school for the quarter just ended reached the very high percentage of 90, the highest record for the quarter that the school had ever attained, and plainly indicative of the good clfect of the new attendance regulations. Referring to 'flic teaching staff, the headmaster stated that Miss W. Compton had retired from the pupil-teacher staff to take up the position of assistant at the Nirealm School, after having completed her pupil-teachership in a very creditable manner and having developed good teaching abilities during her four years' apprenticeship. The third assistant master and tho third assistant mistress were absent for several days each during the month, through illness. Tho third assistant in the secondary department was absent for two days, on leave. Miss F Robertson had been appointed by the ' board to fill the vacancy on the pupil- ' teacher staft. '

Lansdowne School. _ The monthly meeting of the Lansdowne School Committee was held on Wednesday evening. The headmaster reported the average attendance for the past quarter to be 105, out of an average roll-of 174, the present number ou the roll bein~ 170. Tho attendance was now bein" a£ fectcd by the prevailing epidemic" of measles. The tender of .£5 10s. of Messrs Hopo and Welch for the construction'" of a book-case was accepted. The report of Inspector Bakewell on the school was read, most satisfactory reference being made to tho school. A vote of thanks was passed to the school commissioner!! in connection with the granting of tho extension of tho site.

Ruahine, Mangaweka, The work of the past yea:' and the inspector's reports denote marked progress, in every department of the school work at Kuahino, Mangaweka. All the Standard VI pupils gained certificates either of proficiency or competency, and the general percentago of passes was close on 100. Tho school gardens, regarded as being among tho most attractive in the district, have been winning prizes at Feilding shows for the past five years; I and prizes and merit awards at local shows and at Wanganui. Specimen diaries kept by tho pupils in connection i with (ho school gardens, gained much I praise, together with a first and second prize at. Feilding Show in February last ' The main principle upon which the gar-1 den is conducted is; Training in scientific method, the garden is I ho laboratory for testing of theories. The roll number at the school has been a history of ups and downs during the I last live years. A few years ago I he school was over-crowded (country schools are built with a limited space), the roll I

number reaching over lift v. The beginning of (he year 1910 . brought together nineteen only, but this f'ortunatclv remained the minimum for a few months. At the eloso of the year the number had risen to over 30, and at present the prospects are in favour of a slight increase in number. The advantages of numbers in connection with school work, higher grades, and more ollicicnf staffs, gives the country child b?tter opportunities. Schools having two or more teachers are capable of doing better work than smaller schools. Kuahine School was visited bv the Education Board's truant officer " earlv in -March, and, judging by Iho attendance since his visit, his mi.-sion was both worthy and effective. Kegular attendance is absolutely necessary for the progress of the pupil, it not only prevents cramming to make up for lost lessons, but lightens the work of the teacher.

Levin District Hioh School. A meeting of tho Levin District High School Committee was held on Tuesday evening, when various subscriptions in connection with the recent picnic on the racecourse were handed in. The meeting passed a vote of I hanks to the ladies ■ who assisted at the picnic and also to Messrs. T. Broome, Biilliman Bros., Scott, Williams, and Smith (bakers), and the manager of tho dairy factory, for donations in kind. The question of what steps the Bible-in-Schools party will fake at the coming election of the now school committee for Levin was informally mentioned. It was stated by several members that it was quite probable they would not take any active measures whatever. Mr. Malcolm': AVe must not let therii steal a march on us I

Feilding District High School. Mr. H. M'lntyre, chairman of the District High School Committee, presented (he prizes for the recent swimming sports amidst much enthusiasm last week. " Mr. M'lntyre expressed himself as pleased with the progress niacin by the children, and hoped that as they were apparently efficient swimmers they would go a step further and study the art of life-saving. He also complimented. .Air. S. Lovelock, the caretaker of the baths, on the satisfactory manner in which he had carried out his duties during the season, in recognition of which ho presented him with a handsome pair of military brushes. Miss V. AVatls, who is leaving the school after many years service, was presented with a gold brooch by her pupils, a':d by her fellow teachers, with a pair of good .field glasses.

Bulls, Rangitikei. At the last meeting of the Bulls School Committee, the chairman submitted a statement of accounts in connection with the recent kindcrspiel, showing a net profit of .£lB Ss., which was considered very satisfactory, and it was decided lo apply to tha Education Department for a subsidy on'same. A vote of thanks was unanimously accorded .to the head teacher and the school staff for the. great pains and trouble taken by them in training the pupils for the entertainment. Messrs. Carter Bros, were also thanked for carting the piano free of charge. Mr. J. H. Gray, head teacher, stated that he had been interviewed' by a representative of the audience at tho kindcrspiel, requesting that the entertainment bo repeated, and requested the committee's; views on the matter. After a short discussion it was decided, xm tho motion of Mr. Holmes, seconded by Mr. M'Nicklc, that tho entertainment be:repeated at the.Town Hall, Bulls, on Friday, May 5,

Normanby.' A meeting of tho Normanbv -School Committee was held last week. The headmaster's report stated that for the past quarter the average attendance was 117 out- of a total roll number of 131. Ho also reported that one of the tanks was leaking badly,' and that several windows required glass; nUo'that anew table was required for tho infant .room. It was decided to apply to the Education Board for a new tank and table, and also to draw their attention to the state of one of the chimneys. The school (which has been closed for the last three weeks on account of an epidemic of measles) was reopened on Tuesday last.

Arafaohoy-Wanijanul". ,: At the, usual monthly meeting of the Aramoho School Committee, the headmaster reported the roll number was 2U and the average attendance 20G.57 per cent. The attendance of the upper classes exceeded D 8 per cent. A letter was read from the Education Board advisiting the committee that ,£25 had been voted for repairs and alterations to the school. This included fire escapes from the infants' room, Standard 111, and Miss Lock s room.

I Kiritaki. . The concert and dance hold last week in aid ot the Kiritaki School library was a great success both from a social and financial point of view. An excellent programme of musical and other items was presented, irsd at tho conclusion Mr. C. Smith, chairman, thanked all those present for their' attendance, and all those who had so generously contributed towards the entertainment. Supper, which was provided by the ladies, was then handed round, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The dance, which was anxiously looked forward to by the voung people, was kept up till the early hours. As the result of the entertainment the library will benefit to the extent of £$.

Tarurutangi. Tho annual m'enic in connection with the larurutaugi School took place last w-eek in fair weather. A committee, consisting of Messrs. G. Lougstalf, C. Street, A. Street, L. Street, G. Giddy, J. Copeslake, H. Copestako, J. Giddv, E. Marsh, and F. Bishop worked hard to make the outing a success. Games and races were the order of tho day, nearly every child winning a prize. In tho afternoon tho Ladies Committee, consisting of Mesdames J. Giddy, J.X'ouestake, F. Bishop, A. Street, S. Longstaff," E. T. Marsh, and Misses Street and Longstaff, presided over the teacups. There were only two events for adults. Tho ladies' hail-driving, which attracted fifteen competitors, was won bv Mrs. 0. Giddy, with .Mrs. J. Giddy second. Tho chain-stepping was IV on byMr. H. Allen, who stepped to within half an inch, Mr. J. Rowc coming second. Tho concert.in the evening proved as enjoyable as it was successful.

NEWS IN BRIEF. The Education Department has approved of a grant of .£3500 for the reinstatement of the Wanganui District High School, recently destroyed by fire. The new school residence at Porangahau is just about completed, and reflects great credit on the architect and builders. The Hawke's Bay Education Board decided to erect tho residence by employing their own men, instead of by contract, and the work has been carried out in a very satisfactory manner. ' Vacancies in Hawke's Bay (applications due Monday, April 21) : (Jjsbornp, male assistant, .£165 per annum; Hopolands (Kumeroa), solo teacher, £12!) and ,£ls house allowance per annum; Jlorerc, sole teacher, ,£9O and .£lO house allowance per annum; Napier, female assistant, .£OO per annum; Norsewood, male, assistant, ,£ro per annum; Puha, female assistant, ,e'o per annum; Rissington, solo teacher, .£l2O per annum; Weber, female assistant, X% per annum. Probations for Kaiti '(Gis borne), Napier South, and Ormond. arc also required.

PERSONAL NOTES. Mr. A. W. Thompson, first assistant at the Taihapo District High School, was presented last week with a handsome salad bowl and service, on tho eve of his wedding, as a token of (he esteem in which ho is held by his friends. Mr. Bertcnshaw made tho presentation and wished the recipient every happiness. Miss Thompson, assistant teacher at the Kaiparoro School, lias received notice of her appointment to a similar position at Puriri, Auckland, and she will probably be leaving at tho end of the month to tako up her now duties. The following teachers in the servico of tho Wanganui Education Board have resigned their appointments:—.Miss Lyall, assistant, Oroua Bridge; Miss L. 1, llemi, I'raser ltoad; Mr. E. Rockel, l'oukoirr; Miss M. J. Brycc, assistant, Terrace End; Miss G. E. .Watts, assistant, Peilding; Miss K. M. Birchley, Pine Creek; Miss E. Willetts, Waituna West. Beeent appointments in the Wanganui Education District:—Miss (,'. Janiieson, assistant, Longburn; .Miss Milligan, Mnngacturon; Miss C. Mardonald, Unworn; Mr. P. i\". Martin, special as.-istant. Ha worn; Mi-s ■J. L. Botten, iusistnnt, Torero; Miss Ar. thur, Utiku; C. J, M'Lcan, Toukoire,