EDUCATION IN NEW ZEALAND

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 298, 13 September 1941, Page 14

EDUCATION IN NEW ZEALAND

“Educating New Zealand” by A. E. Campbell (Wellington: Department of Internal Affairs). This is the eighth volume of New Zealand Centennial Surveys. The series is nearing its last publication. A high standard was set with the earlier volumes and this standard has been maintained most successfully. There is no doubt that the Centennial Publications form a most effective and enduring monument of the century of colonization which they have helped to commemorate. .“Educating New Zealand” gives an interesting summary of the main developments which have taken place ineducation in New Zealand since the 1840’s, It concerns itself in the main with State schools. The history of State schools and the many phases they have passed through are brought up to date. The most interesting develop . ment in New Zealand’s post-primary education is the technical school, which is probably our only original gift to world education. New trends are the intermediate schools and the centralization of schools in country districts which is made possible by motor transport, provided by the Education Department. In this New Zealand. probably goes farther .than any other country in the world in equalizing opoportunities for the rural and the urban child.

At the outbreak of war, under Dr. Beeby, education in New Zealand appeared to be on the brink of momentous changes. Already the proficiency examination has been abolished. A war for many reasons tends to halt social progress. It is fitting, therefore, that in the pause before the new education system can launch its campaign for producing citizens of initiative more nearly adapted to the conditions of the life they are expected to lead. Mr. Campbell should provide his summary of what has already been done in that direction.

Colonel Minshall, who has contributed extensively to many influential journals on similar subjects, has an intimate knowledge of Germany and Germans, lending weight to this clear exposition of the pitfalls and possibilities of our chief post-war problem.