THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

Evening Star, Issue 20510, 14 June 1930, Page 14

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In your issue of tho 6th inst., an article 011 the education system appeared in which some quotations are made from Professor Condlitfe’s book, ‘ New Zealand in the Making.’ Two of the statements quoted call for immediate and emphatic contradiction. Tho first of these is that primary education still follows tho principles laid down in 1,877, and that changes have not yet been carried out in ally largo degree. How such a statement came to bo made in a serious book is bard to understand. The truth is that no-word short of revolution would describe the change that has taken place in the primary schools. In spirit, method, and maimer they are in a new world as compared with tho old. Practically the only thing about them that has remained unchanged is tho antiquated and inefficient system of administration. The outward form remains the same; the inner spirit is entirely different. Tho other statement, equally wide of the mark, is, to quote from the article: “The secondary schools ho finds to be freer and moro independent.” The judgment of all observers in recent years is to the effect that the secondary schools are bound hard and fast by tho syllabus of tho matriculation examination. Within the schools and without the same complaint is made, and, though it 'has not been very loud until lately, it is now gathering such force as will compel attention. —I am, etc., H. A. Parkinsox, Secretary N.Z.E.I. Wellington, June 12.