TECHNICAL SCHOOLS CONFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 57, 4 September 1918, Page 8

TECHNICAL SCHOOLS CONFERENCE

The conference of directors of technical schools and supervisors of manual training centres was continued yesterday afternoon in the Education Board'6 Buildings, Mr. W. S. La Trobe, M.A., presiding.

Mr. George George (Auckland) moved as follows: —

(1) That the primary course of education shall' be remodelled so as to be completed at the age of 12 years; (2)' that full daytime education shall be compulsory up to the age of 15 years; (3) that for pupils from 12 to 15 years of age such educational provision shall be mado that duo consideration may be given to the, probable future vocation of the child.

There was some discussion on the resolution, which was identical with that passed by conference last year, and it was reaffirmed, as also was the following motion in the same connection:—"That the .State should make maintenance allowances to parents where necessary, to prevent them from suffering hardship owing to their children being compelled to attend full daytime classes until they are 15 years of age instead of going to work."

"That in the opinion of the conference no education, however much, it may be concerned with, literary or academic studies, is liberal if it fails to arouse the interest and self-activity of the pupil; whereas an education that succeeds in this' respect because it deals with matters that concern his daily life may be essentially liberal. An education that may enable the worker to find joy in his work is the fundamental need- of to-day, and, to be successful, a system, of continuation education must make this ite primary aim." This was a motion proposed by Mr. J. H. Howell, seconded by Mr. W. S. La Trobe, and carried.

On the motion of Mr. Newton (Napier) conference decided to urge the Minister to make such provision as will ensure vocal and 1 instrumental - music being taught in all schools. The object of the motion was, it was explained', in order to teach the child how to spend' in the home its leisure time to the best advantage. v