NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 214, 4 June 1924, Page 8

NOTES OF THE DAY

Progress in education is usefully assisted by an intelligent public interest in the work that iis being done in the schools On that account there is a great deal to be said for the proposal made by the Director of the Technical College (Mr. Howell), that an annual education week should be held in Wellington. Pointing to the success of similar movements in Great Britain, Mb. Howell observed that the method generally followed in that country was to hold an exhibition of the work done -at all kinds of schools, from the kindergarten to the secondary and techftical schools, and to give displays of physical drill, organised games," and singing. There is little doubt that a similar exhibition, with its attendant displays, would be highly popular in Wellington. Besides being popular, it would serve to quicken interest in education, and to bring parents and others into more effective touch with the schools. One effect of an annual exhibition of this kind no doubt would be to gain increased favour for thosS forms of secondary education which are most likely to be of value to pupils in their after life.

«• In his recent 1 pronouncement on the World Court, President Coolidge spoke out boldly for a policy under which America would take n real part in world affairs. His reputation for cautious foresight makes it likely that Mr. Coolidge did not take this stand without being reasonably assured that it is approved by a considerable majority of his countrymen. It is a pity that the matter cannot be pub promptly to the test, for an affirmation by the American people of their President’s attitude probably would do a good deal to further the European settlement which at the moment is in rather doubtful prospect. The American Constitution, however, does not lend itself to promptitude in matters of this kind. Until November next; the whole Republic will be in a state of electioneering turmoil, and President Coolidge and his Government will be badly placed in these circumstances to exercise any practical initiative in international affairs. On the other hand, if the policy to which the President has declared his adhesion is upheld, he will be able to carry it into effect as soon as the election is over. There would not in this case be the delay that occurs when a new President is elected in November, and does not take office until the following March.

To a very large proportion of readers the item of outstanding interest in our news columns 'this morning will be the names of the team of Rugby footballers selected to represent New Zealand in the coming tour of the Motherland. The preliminary test games have served to indicate how keenly the public and especially the followers of our national game have been concerned in the choice to be made. There can be no doubt that the 1905 team of All Blacks which visited Britain and which established so splendid a record was a very fine advertisement for New Zealand; and the team now selected, though it may have a more difficult task ahead of it, should do no discredit to the Dominion. The forwards admittedly are as fine a lot as could be wished for—big, fast, and clever. Just now New Zealand is especially well off for forwards of what we are pleased to regard as "All Black” calibre, and there are players who have been omitted who are little if any inferior to those chosen. In the backs we are not at the moment quite so fortunately situated. This does not mean that the rearguard of the team is weak, but while practically any selection from the forwards chosen could be confidently looked to to play a great game, the backs have yet to be fully tested. Then there is some very promising material amongst the backs is quite apparent, and there is good prospect of them developing into a powerful, and possibly into a brilliant combination. The omission of H. E. Nicholls from the half-back line is hard to understand, but otherwise the selectors have carried out a difficult task in a manner which should meet with very general approval. It is unfortunate that Perry, the Otago University player, should have lost his form in the trial games, for ho undoubtedly would have been an acquisition to the team as captain, a position which on a tour such as that about to be undertaken is one of great importance, and one not easy to fill. Members of the team no doubt are fully alive to the big task which lies ahead of them, and will strive to mountain the replication of the Dominion for good sportsmanship both on and off the field.