The Feilding Star. Oroua and Kiwitea Counties' Gazette. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1912. Manual and Technical.

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 1796, 17 May 1912, Page 2

The Feilding Star. Oroua and Kiwitea Counties' Gazette. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1912. Manual and Technical.

This district i_ fortuitato in having at the head of its education system an inspector who thinks. Tho result is initiative for the system and inspiration for those who are working it out; and it is not surprising to learn, further, that the influence of such an authority extciids even beyond -this district, and has an effect right at the fount of education's administration—at Wellington. "We refer, of course, to Chief Inspector Braik, who has just furnished to 'the Wanganui Education Board yet another interesting and thought-com-pelling report. This time Mr Braik deals specially with manual and technical instruction. In opening up the subject, ho points out that for several reasons, but chiefly because of the great difficulty experienced in securing the services of qualified instructors, the formation of continuation and evening technical classes has been less successful this year than at any time during the past five years. Other reasons, hardly less powerful, working in the same direction have been: (1) th& Department (very properly) cutting down the capitation for all kinds of "hobby" classes, thus making the formation of such classes difficult; (2) the regulations of 1910 making the amount of capitation payable on account of country classes contingent on tho Department's recognition of the need for the classes which has made the directors chary about breaking new ground; (3) dressmaking, cookery, and book-keeping having been the classes chiefly taken in the country districts, it is easy to see that the number of pupils available for such classes is not inexhaustible, especially when it is remembered that 'theso subjects are noiv being taught to day pupils at 11 (presently 13) of this education district's technical schools; (4) compulsory military training, which is credited with the nonattendance of many young people at the schools. On this 'aspect, Mr Braik says "it would perhaps be a pity to balance one form of compulsion with another, but the question will have to be faced." (5) When continuation classes first became general in the district, there was a great number of young people to Avhom free places were open, but now tho number is limited by the proficiency certificates gained annually by our pupils. Then comes (6) tho most potent of all reasons, perhaps: the indifference of many of our young pc.ople, and of the older people -by whom they sliould bo influenced, to educational advancement. The Inspector docs not want it to be inferred that tho schools aro about to close their doors on account of these difficulties. By no means. Sound work is being done at the- schools; and," after all, as he rightly argues, it is not the number of students so much as the quality of the work done that will ultimately toll. In another phase Mr Braik is worth 'quoting: "If we turn to the Technical work done in the aeconda-ry classes of our District High Schools and at the Technical College wo shall find tho outlook greatly .different. Tho organisation is complete, the schools are well filled, and tbo staff is equal to the work. Iv each district there is a staff comprising instructors iv science, agriculture, woodwork, cookery, hygiene, and dressmaking.' This staff is also, to a large extent, available for work in connection with evening continuation and technical classes; but it is as instructors of day pupils that their work will bo most valuanlo nna permanent." And the expert meets possible objections: "It might seem as if tho staff wero in excess of requirements, but it must bo recollected that school technical classes aro carried on at sixteen primary schools, the secondary department of eight district high schools, tho Technical College, with an additional District High School and a Primary School in prospect, not to mention the Marton Secondary School Farm." What all this advanced programme means to the Feilding and other districts is indicated by these further observations of the Chief Inspector*": The Board has assumed great and grave responsibility in organising this work so completely. It is* but reasonable to expect that public bodies will recognise this, and, for the sake of the schools and ths children, make liberal donations towards the maintenance of the schools in their own districts." The hypercritical may pause and take a breath here, and then follow the expert further: "Blind support is not asked- for. Investigation and criticism of tho work done have always been courted. Tho schools are thoroughly equipped .and staffed for tho teaching of subjects likely to give boys, and girls a taste for rural pursuits and for the management of the home. To the work dono at the schools there must be added the work done at the Marton Secondary School Farm, where a suitable building has just been completed. The course of instruction will comprise practical and theoretical agriculture, farm mechanics and animal husbandry, veterinary science and wool-classing. Dairy science will be taken at the schools from which the pupils come." In connection with this development of special education for the sons and daughters of farmers, it is interesting to learn that -the instruction will be given not only by Messrs Grant, Banner, Rait, and other such specialists, but that it is expected that the" boys will be addressed occasionally by such eminent agriculturists as Messrs J. G. Wilson, Ernest Short, and Norman Gorton. It is evident that the Wanganui district continues in the very van of progressive education