PRACTICAL WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 130, 28 November 1941, Page 7

PRACTICAL WORK

EAST COAST SCHOOLS

RENOVATION OF COTTAGE

Realism has been introduced into the instruction in practical work being given to children at schools in the East Coast districts. The Minister of Education (Mr. Mason) has just completed a- short official visit to this part of the country, and sin an interview he said that practical instruction in woodwork and carpentry had been developed to the extent that an old cottage had been renovated at Tikitiki for use by one of the assistant teachers. The Minister opened a new courthouse at Ruatoria. which is to serve the needs of the surrounding areas, and also inspected- two out of the three Native district high schools being established in the neighbourhood—at Ruatoria and Tikitiki. The third is at Te Araroa.

"The distinguishing feature of these schools is to be their practical bent, the policy being to keep the education of the children in the closest possible contact with the real lift of the people," said Mr. Mason., "At Tikitiki the instructor and"'scholars have already renovated an old cottage. It has been transformed from an uninhabitable condition to one of comfort and attractiveness and will no^ be occupied by one of the assistant teachers. "Although the institution of these schools is regarded as an experiment which does not promise to be free from certain difficulties, a most encouraging feature is the keenness of the scholars in the more practical courses which the schools afford. The practical work of the schools is also being turned to financial account.' The funds of one school were helped to the extent of £20 by sales of honey from bees kept <>t th© school."