MUSEUM EDUCATIONAL CLASSES.

Evening Star, Issue 23147, 22 December 1938, Page 10

MUSEUM EDUCATIONAL CLASSES.

The value of striking a “ happy medium ” in. the allocation of school home work and the need for giving an adequate amount of attention to what have become known as the essentials of education were the subject of comment which appeared in these columns last week. In any effort to define the essentials there must be an irresistible temptation to include within the group any form of instruction hearing on New Zealand life and on life in the Southern Pacific as a whole. It must bo feared that in the past education in New Zealand, while sound enough to lay tho foundation of the careers of many brilliant scholars, has not altogether instilled into the young the knowledge of their own country which is desirable. The changes in this connection which have taken place during recent years must be regarded as a distinct improvement, and a fillip to the modem trend seems to have been imparted by developments at the Otago University Museum, to the staff of which Mr G. 1). Anderson was appointed in the capacity of educational officer to conduct special instructional classes. Reports on the results of the first year’s work disclose the highly successful nature of tho undertaking. Museum material, of which the local institution is blessed with a wide range, has been studied, not only by classes visiting tho galleries, but also by children in the

schools to which portable eases arc sent from time to time. 'Without doubt so much bciiclit has been derived from the knowledge thus disseminated that those responsible for inaugurating the scheme must feel justified in seeking every available kind of aid in carrying out extensions. For one thing, the country schools have yet to be given the attention that is their due, as the children in the rural districts naturally have not the same opportunity of gaining access to this study. In the meantime people anxious for their inclusion rn the organisation must bo encouraged by the intimation that as soon as is practical their various districts will be embraced in the extensions planned. Apart altogether from the interesting nature of the work, which should make an appeal to most children and perhaps load many to absorption in a fascinating hobby, there is always the chance that in some cases the foundations will be laid for notable careers in activities calculated to bring the Dominion more and more under the notice of older civilisations. The appointment of Mr Anderson is still another reminder of the thoughtful generosity of Mr Andrew Carnegie and the efficient manner in which the corporation controlling his educational legacies is making his dreams come true. That the assistance being given to the Educational Department is much appreciated goes without saying, her the moneyed men of the world the benefactions of such as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and Lord Nuffield must remain for all time an inspiring example.