UNTAUGHT CHILDREN

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 196, 16 May 1930, Page 8

UNTAUGHT CHILDREN

A SERIOUS PROBLEM SUGGESTED REMEDY Containing a statement to the effect that more than half of the children of New Zealand between the ages of 14 and 18 years were receiving no direct education whatever, a remit considered yesterday by the Technical School Teachers’ Association led to a certain amount of discussion. The remit, which proposed recreational and cultural courses in evening schools as a remedy, was carried. The remit was introduced by Mr. W. Harris, of Christchurch, and was as follows: “That in the light of the fact that 51.2 per cent, of adolescent New Zealanders between the ages of 14 and 18 are receiving no direct education, the Education Department should encourage the development of more recreational and cultural courses In evening schools.” Mr. Harris had prepared a diagram showing the number of adolescents in various types of schools who were receiving various types of instruction, as well as the number who were receiving no direct education at all. He mentioned many courses that could be designed to cater for children in evening classes, and concluded by stressing the large number who were being taught nothing—either recreational or cultural. The remit met with the support of Dr. L. .Hansen, who said that the Workers’ Educational Association was very much concerned with the same question. It was certainly necessary for something to be done. The classes were large in Christchurch, and the magistrates had such a high opinion of their worth, unfortunately, that boys were from time to time ordered to attend them. Two protests had been made against this. They had had it put to them by the Miniser of Education that their classes should be vocational, not recreational. “I feel that recreational classes would more than pay for themselves from a social point of view,” said Dr. Hansen. “And there is a direct need for them.” A delegate remarked,, not without a certain amount of feeling, that in the country districts—in his district at any rate —there was more supply than demand as far as such classes were concerned. In the towns, however, the position was probably different. The remit was carried. Other Remits Passed. Other remits from Christchurch were carried as follow: — “That the Education Department should co-operate with the W.E.A. to. provide, at suitable periods, . short intensive courses for adolescents in scattered farrning communities, such courses to be cultural as well as vocational.” “That all pupils in technical high schools should be medically examined and advised as to the occupations for which they are physically unfitted. . “That the departments physical instructors should visit technical schools more frequently to advise, and where necessary, to train, the teachers who are in charge of physical drill.’ “That in view of the public demand for vocational guidance, the department should make further appointments of vocational guidance officers, and should also make arrangements with the university to provide training for those who wish to take up this work.”