TO ACHIEVE THE BEST

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 40, 15 August 1918, Page 3

TO ACHIEVE THE BEST

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —The address on education given by Mr. Combs to the School Committees' Association opens- up' vietas of thought. The evil? of overcrowded schools, confined playgrounds, poor equipment, under-staffing, overwork, cramming, etc., etc., provide ample material for a series of . addresses which, should reach the understanding of every parent in this Dominion. It is to them, and them alone, that we must look for improvement in the educational policy and administration of this country^ Yet how little does the average parent know of either. He or she judges the child's progress, his educational efficiency, and his future possible value on the ■ "reports" and "certificates" brought home. It is only when the medical adviser eug gests that school is the least healthy place for the ailing child, or that the "cram" system has produced brain affection, that the parent realises the menace. It may be that the test comes later, and the failure is seen only when reason and sound judgment are most needed. Large classes' and full syllabuses, the latter still bearing the marks of medieval birth, necessitate a drill system eminently suited to destroy the individuality and dwarf the mental powers of its victims.

But, in euch a system, the worst evils take longest to develop., Individually and personally, it is tragic; collectively, it is catastrophic. To-day we reap the first fruits in an irresponsible youth; tomorrow in an immature ill-judging and politician-led"' citizen. He reflects his owa limitations mentally, in the means he takes to secure a competency amid a social system that contains all the pernicious tendencies leading to» disintegration and disruption. Strikes and lockouts, go-slow policies, and abortive conferenceSj. continuous rises in wages, and continuous falls in production spell only disaster. If we are to become a happy and contented people we must each live for all. And the first step in the direction of securing the activity of such a principle as that is to see that the educational policy of the country serves its most useful end—the production of a citizen who prefers principles .to profits. Have we, a 6 a young nation, sufficient foresight and sufficient courage to think enough, do enough, and spend enough, that education may achieve the best ends?—l am, etc., x B. T. BLAKE.

14th August.