SCHOOL CURRICULUM.

Evening Star, Issue 19408, 17 November 1926, Page 6

SCHOOL CURRICULUM.

Ai last there is good promise of the Education Department dealing in the' right way with that gulf between primary and secondary education of which, a few years ago, we were hearing so much from Sir James Parr and Mr Caughley. To quote from one of Mr Caughley’s addresses: “Most boys received the educational shock of their lives during their first year at a secondary school. One system was going upwards and the other downwards. There was the clash in the middle which the boy met. There should be a more gradual transition from the primary school to the secondary school.” It was easier to believe that this abruptness of contact between the two stages might be a real weakness of our education system than to agree with the Minister and Director of Education that the best way of amending it was by the creation of a new intermediate order of schools —tho junior high schools which they recommended. A few junior high schools were established, but times have changed since that departure was inaugurated. Sir James Parr has been translated to another sphere of service, and Mr Caughley is retiring. A new Minister of Education has made it plain that he does not share his predecessor’s enthusiasm for junior high schools. All he can see in them, for certain, is an extra cost, and because of that extra cost, he has declared, no more of them are to be authorised for the present. An addition to his statement, in which he referred to the time required to test the advantages of those already opened, plainly intimated that no new ones would be sanctioned for at least a year. Now a step has been taken which strongly confirms tho opinion we expressed when that pronouncement was made, that no more of them are likely to be established at any time. It was stated by the Minister that many educationists held the opinion that the end desired, of a better co-ordination between primary and secondary education, could be met by a revision of the syllabus of existing schools, without the expense of new ones. It is what wo urged from tho first. In accordance with a recommendation of the Council of Education, passed as early as July last, a special committee of educationists has now been set up to consider how this can he done. The committee, we are told, will make investigations with a view, to such

changes being made in the programme of work for Standards V. and VI. of the primary schoqls and for the first two years of tlie secondary school courses as shall secure a proper correlation. It should be an easy task. The pupils, we imagine, will commence their secondary studies in the last two standards of the primary schools, which will mean commencing them at the best age for that transition, and all that will be needed then will be to grade the studios at contiguous periods of the two orders of schools, so that the passing from one to the other will involve no overlapping and no shock. The adjustment might be made, it appears to us, by a much smaller committee than that, composed of ten members, which has been appointed. Since the education boards and the school committees do not control the syllabus, but only administration, it would seem to be more by a compliment than from necessity that they are represented —the high school boards are not—-and if an attempt is to be made at grading to meet the conditions of the technical schools, as well ns high schools, a simple matter may be unduly complicated. If the scope of the investigation is confined to its most practicable limits, that of the junction between primary schools and high schools, the impressive committee which has been appointed should find small difficulty in devising an adjustment which will leave no need for junior high schools.

Voluminous correspondence and cables to and from London in connection with the £350,000 harbor improvement scheme were considered by the Otago Harbor Board yesterday afternoon. The board finally decided that Mr J. M.G. Wilkie, the engineer, should not call tenders for the dredge, but should return to the dominion at once, the whole position to be reviewed on his return.

Further consideration of the application of Messrs John Edmond. Ltd., for a remission of pilotage charges in connection with the visit of the whaling ship. Sir James Clark Ross, to Port Chalmers, was given by the Harbor Board yesterday afternoon, when it was decided to reply that the board regretted its inability to grant the request. A new record in draught for a ship entering Otago Heads has been created by the arival of the whaling ship C. A. Larsen, which, was brought to Port Chalmers yesterday on a draught of 30ft. The ship had come 'direct from Sandefjord, Norway, to Port Chalmers. The previous record existed for nearly sis years, the holder' being the Port Caroline, which arrived on December 22, 1920, drawing 29ft. After the nominations for tho moderatorship had been made by the Presbyterian General Assembly a lay delegate suggested that the two ministers who were to be voted upon should stand together on the platform, so as to be seen, whereupon the Rev. James Ings asked if it was to bo a new beauty competition, and in the laughter that ensued the proposal to parade the candidates was dropped.

A friendly gathering at the Commercial Travellers’ Club last night serves as a reminder of the fact that the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition at Dunedin opened exactly a year ago today. The meeting was of the members of the Awards Committee ; its purpose was to make a presentation to Mr E. P. Duthie in recognition of the capable manner in which he acted as chairman of that committee. Speeches were made by Messrs S. Bowman (who presided) and Messrs W. A. Flavell, W. Thomson, A. Bmellie, and A. E. Ansell, many interesting incidents connected with tho running of tho Exhibition, particularly as relating to tho work of tho committee, being dug up and enlarged upon. The only member not present was Sir W. Taylor, who is in the north on business. The gift was of a malacca cane, suitably inscribed, and a case of pipes

Quite a good attendance at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society’s exhibition this afternoon, when tea was provided by lady members. Two more sales are reported—Mr A. H. O’Keeffe’s ‘ Early Morning ’ (Bgs), and Mr G. W. Carrington’s ‘ First Morning Gleam, Dart Valley ’ (figs). The Education Department notified the Education Board to-day that it approved of the admission of South Canterbury students to the Dunedin Training College. The letter further pointed out that it did not appear that an education board could prevent probationers entering any training college they chose provided the board controlling that training college was agreeable and the department approved. An Auckland Press Association telegram states that a meeting of farmers was addressed by Mr D. Jones (chairman) and Mr H. D. Forsyth (London manager of the Meat Control Board). Air Jones said that the work done during the past three years had quite justified the board’s existence. He strongly urged that more should be done in the production of pork for export, and also the growing of grain for pig food. Mr Forsyth said that the English market wanted short, nuggoty Southdown cows, and that the sending home of ewe mutton had done the New Zealand mutton trade a lot of harm in England. There was a clean sheet at the City Police Court to-day. An appeal has been sent to all school committees in New Zealand by Mr F. Norris (Masterton) requesting all scholars to help in a small way the inmates of the New Zealand Blind Institute. “There are now,” writes Mr Norris, “seventy students at the institute, and as they find their greatest pleasure in music and reading, it would bo nice to show them at this seas; i of the year that they are not forgotten by contributing something to help them in these directions. I therefore suggest that the children be asked to contribute Id each, or, if preferred, to get up a school concert. Two years ago I made an appeal to tne schools to'help the institute, with tin splendid result that over £3OO was contributed, and the gift was accompanied by many letters of good cheer and encouragement, which gave great pleasure to the inmates. The present appeal is for the purpose of enabling the institute to have completed the fine three-manual organ presented some years ago by Sir Henry Brett. This organ is lacking in several stops, and the blind organist, Rev. E. Chitty, who is a keen and clever musician, is anxious to get it completed on account of the pleasure the inmates derive from the music, and also that he may be better able to train his four blind students to become professional organists. The cost will be about £2OO. Should the response to this appeal exceed the amount required, the balance will be spent in buying more books for the blind in the new Braille.” All moneys should be sent direct to the organist, Jubilee Blind Institute, Auckland.

“ The attendance in the majority of the schools is , gradually returning to normal conditions,” said the attendance officer (Mr J. E. Ryan) in his report to the Edxxcation Board to-day for the month ending November 16. " Several schools, however, are still being affected by mumps and measles,'especially Mos-giel-and Milton Kaitangata last week was shoxving signs ot a slight improvement from the recurrence of diphtheria. Officers of the Health Department visited the school on Wednesday last, and carried out the ‘ Schick ’ test on about 170 children who had previously been immunised, and xvere to_ return again next day. They also decided not to make any recommendation to close the school,’-’

It is reported that next year there will be a 25 per cent, reduction in the cost of school books.

Nauru phosphate and Seychello phosphate is being discharged from vessels into railway trucks at Port Chalmers. The difference in appearance between the two is very marked. From Nauru it is mostly in rock form, while the Sevchelle variety is like flour, .and is being discharged from the ship in bags. At the wharf where the discharging is taking place this difference is commented on, but the explanations are evidently not authoritative, for they, too, differ materially. A seafaring man, when appealed to, explained that in the remote ages of the past both phosphates were alike. Since then the Nauru Islands had been submerged for an ago, and afterwards risen above the salt sea waves again. This had served to harden the phosphate. The Seychelle Islands had not been submerged, and consequently its phosphate deposit retained its powder form.

A Christchurch Press Association telegram states that the police method of identifying people suspected of offences was criticised by counsel, judge, and jury when a case that rested on identification came before the Supreme Court. The accused was Charles Thomas Lascellcs, _ who was charged with interfering with a little girl in a picture theatre. After comment by counsel Mr Justice _ Stringer said there was no earthly use in asking either adults or children to make a satisfactory identification unless there was a general resemblance between the people lined up. There was no use, for instance, in putting Chinese among Europeans. The jury returned a verdict of “ Not guilty,” urging that there should be strict methods of identification in order to prevent mistakes. “ We reckon the present method unfair,” stated the jury. Our Christchurch correspondent telegraphs that Milford Track is going to be exceptionally well patronised in the coming summer, judging by the number of inquiries which have already been made at the Tourist Department in Christchurch. Bookings are heavier than is usual in November, which as a rule is far from being a busy month with the department. Mr L. J. Mayfield, tourist agent in Christchurch, informed a reporter today that the inquiries generally are more than usual, the indications being that there will be a big influx of overseas visitors. Such an influx is the natural result of an increase in advertising, it being expected that_ the propaganda at the Toronto Exhibition will bear much fruit in the way of visitors. Already a number of American and other overseas visitors are in the dominon.

The Mussel Bay reclamation was the only matter taken in open meeting by tho Harbor Board yesterday afternoon. Mr J. M‘C. Dickson, M.P., presided, and the following were present :—Captain Coll M'Donald, Messrs W. Wilkinson, D. Larnach, J. Loudon. K. S. Ramsay, H. C. Campbell, A. Cable, T. Anderson, and H. M. Driver. The secretary (Mr W. J. Bardsley) reported that the following report of the sub-committee had been forwarded to the Fort Chalmers Borough Council :—ln November, 1921, a conference was held with representatives of tho Port Chalmers Borough Council, when the question of the actual price the council had to pay—in accordance with the understanding with the council’s delegates in Wellington in 1908, on the occasion of the Merger Act being before the Local Bills Committee and the Legislature—for tho depositing (not dredging cost) of spoil in the 4$ acres area (approximately) was discussed. The price had been left in abeyance in the meantime. Tho committee now recommended for approval the acting engineer’s report, and that the council be notified that the council’s area would reclaimed on tho latter agreeing to pay Cd per yard, the estimated quantity being 95,000yd5. The Port Chalmers Council replied that the letter and accompanying report had been referred to tho special committee, which had been instructed to bring down a report. After consideration by the conned the board would be advised of its decision.

When the big overseas liners are on the New Zealand coast the stewards’ department generally goes about in its shirt sleeves, so to speak (says the Auckland ‘ Star ’). At any rate it feels a bit of relief when the last passenger goes ashore, and then it gets busy, tears down curtains and things, and gives the cabins a good scrub out and a brush up. Things were in this state of dishabille with the Ruapehu the other day when she was off the Otagan coast, and there came a wireless “Pick up Lady Ferguson at Timaru, passenger to New Plymouth.” There was mild consternation; the Governor’s lady coming and the saloon looking like tho morning after a wreck! However, when tho steamer got to Timaru everything was spick and span, and the polish had not been spared, for it is not every day that the ship carries an “ her Excellency.” At Timaru everyone was in full rig, even to white gloves among the officers. The passenger seemed rather surprised at ner impressive reception. Next morning someone discovered that it was the good lady of the famous Dunedin eye specialist that they had on board, and not the lady who spells her name with a doable “ s.” No one was more amused than Lady Ferguson herself when she found out that she had been elevated to the post of “her Excellency.” It is said that New Plymouth was also thinking of Lady Alice Fergusson and not Lady Ferguson, for the news had got about that there was such a lady on board, and there was quite a little crowd on tho pier to see her Excellency and find out the object of her unexpected visit.

When Leon Gordon returns to Dunedin he will be given a reception fitting such an actor. Last night he presented ‘ White Cargo ’ for the last time at His Majesty’s Theatre, and the engrossing play, superbly acted and staged, was heartily received. Gordon’s ability as an actor has pleased the Dunedin audiences.

There were four new registrations for work at the Labor Department’s unemployment bureau to-day, the total on the register now being 189. No men were placed.

The Nortli-east Valley School Committee is desirous of obtaining information regarding the opening of a private school in North-east Valley prior to 1857. It. is known that the ground on which the present school stands was purchased in July, 1857, but in arranging for the seventieth anniversary celebrations the private school in existence before that date should he taken into account. Any old identity with any information regarding the above is referred to an advertisement in this issue.

A meeting of those interested in the formation of a Caversham School expupils’ association was held in the school gymnasium last evening. There was an attendance of about forty, presided over by Mr R. H. Todd. After discussion it was decided that an association be formed, and it was suggested that it be called the Caversham School Ex-pupils' ami Kxtcaclxers’ Association. The folloxving office-bearers xvere elected: —President, Mr R. H. Todd; vice-presidents—Mrs Maxwell and Mr E. A. Ilsherwood; hon. secretary, Mr R. Planning; lion, treasurer, Mr W. Wright; committee— Mesdames J. B. M'Connell, Palmer, Friend, and Miss Dempster, and Messrs ,T. Reid, T. M'Lcan, A. Johnston, and J. Russell. The annual membership fee was fixed at 2s 6d. It xvas decided that those present should endeavor to get as many ex-pupils as possible to become members. The committee was authorised to draxv up a set of rules to bo submitted at the next general meeting on Tuesday, December 10. An effort will be made to enrol ex-pupils living in other centres.

An Auckland message states that the trouble with the stokehold staff of the steamer Kaponga has been settled, and the vessel sailed for Napier at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The cook to whom the men objected remained on board, but four of the objectors left the ship and were replaced.

The following is the official report of a meeting of the Feilding branch of the Freezing Workers’ Union held last night:—“A well-attended meeting of members decided to _ support the Hawke’s Bay men in their demands for a living wage. It was further resolved that tfte congratulations and appreciation of the I’eilding members be conveyed to the Hawke’s Bay men in their just claims, and on the firm stand taken by them.”—Press Association. The members of the Kiwi Basket Ball Club held their annual social at the residence of Mrs Woodfield, “The Gables,” Kew, on Saturday. The supper room and tables were decorated w’ J h the club colors (navy and white). Dancing and games were indulged in till a iate hour, when a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of ‘ Auld Lang Syne.’

For glasses guaranteed to suit consult W. V, Sturmer, G.A.0.C., D. 5.0.1., 2 Octagon, Dunedin; 'phone 7,s2s.—[Advt.] Is your watch still unsatisfactory? Take it to Dunedin’s most reliable watchmaker, where satisfaction is assured.—-Peter Dick, watchmakers, jewellers, and opticians (estab. 1889), 490 Moray plaoo.-fAdvt.l Members of the Otago Employers’ Association are reminded that the annual meeting will be hold in the New Zealhnd Express Company's Board Boom at 3.30 to-morrow afternoon.

A meeting of shareholders of the Pacific Starr-Bowkett Building Society will be held on Tuesday, the 23rd inst., when appropriations by ballot of £SOO in No. 2 group and sales of £I,OOO each in Nos. 3 and 4 groups will be disposed of.

The Training College concert will be held on Saturday evening. Some of Dunedin s most gifted musicians are _ aiding m the entertainment, and prospective patrons are promised a treat.

On Tuesday evening next, in the Macandrevv Bay Hall, the local Orphans’ Club will hold its annual ball. Eor the convenience of patrons a bus will leave the Queen s Gardens at 7.30, and return after the func-