RULING AUSTRALIA

Evening Star, Issue 23123, 24 November 1938, Page 8

RULING AUSTRALIA

WHAT CHILDREN THINK A series of general knowledge questions on the system of government in Australia was recently put to children in the upper grades of schools in Victoria. The average age of the children was 14. To the question, “ Who do you think really rules the country ?” 30 per cent, said “ Parliament,” 23 per cent. “ the Government,” 3 per cent. “ the Prime Minister ” or “ the Governor,” and 9£ per cent. “ the people of the country.” Three pupils said “ the League of Nations,” two “ the Queen Mother,” and five “ God.” To the question, “ What part wdll you play in national affairs when you grow up?” 27J per cent, said “ I will have a vote,” 11 per cent, said “ None,” 25J per cent, said “ I don’t know,” and £ per cent, said “ I will pay taxes ” To the question, “ Why should we obey the laws of the country?” 50 per cent, replied “ To prevent crimes and disorder,” 5 per cent, said ‘‘ To avoid punishment,” and 14 per cent. “ Because our laws are good ones.” Ninety-five per cent said they were proud of the British Empire One per cent, said they were not. and 4 per cent, said they did not know. To the question whether the British Umpire had ever done anything of vhich they disapproved. 32 per cent, aid “ Yes,” but most omitted to say vhat, and 52 per cent, said “ No.” The conclusion drawn by the teachers who conducted the questioning was that the teaching of civics was inadequate, too “ bookish,” and not fitted for training future citizens to judge important political questions without prejudice.