EDUCATION IN THE N.Z.E.F.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4905, 26 June 1918, Page 7

EDUCATION IN THE N.Z.E.F.

GREAT. WORK AT HOME. ' CAPTAIN J. rTkIEK’S BIG TASK In course of a letter "to Mrs Kirk, Captain J.R. Kirk, of Gisborne, . reveals the establishment of an Education Department under his direction in connection with the N.Z.E'.E. in He writes, “I came over from France on duty the da v before Good Friday, and expected to go back to France; ! but when I saw General Richardson j he told me that lie- had selected me tb ! direct his Education Scheme in the N.Z.B.F. He expounded his ideas and asked me to submit to him in two and a-half days time, a comprehensive scheme embodying his proposals. This I was able to do and the scheme received his approval. I was then: directed to visit the various camps, depots and hospitals! of the N.Z.E.F. explaining the scheme; and getting classes started, where possible, on a voluntary basis straight a why. I have now been to Boscoriibe, Brockenhurst. Sling, C'odford, Torquay, Brocton, Grantham, Ewshott, Oatlands Park and Walton-on-Thames, at all of which places I have addressed meeting of officers and men. The utmost enthusiasm has prevailed; the has been well received, and classes are already successfully inaugurated. The reason for the introducing of educational classes is this: It has been felt that men in coming away from JNew Zealand, and especially those who came early, sacrificed not only their financial interests hut also lost touch with their life work. The day is, we hope, approaching when demobilisation will take place and it is essential, as considerable time will be ! occupied before this can be completed, that something be ready to take the I place of military work. It was fpund too that men who had been seriously wounded, and had lost limbs, were becoming somewhat indifferent as to the future; they felt the v were. greatly handicapped, and made up their 1 mind that all they could, do was to live within the pension which would be provided. For such men trade and commercial classes*have been oarried on for some months, and the psychological effect has been marvellous. Their indifference_ has been removed, their outlook brightened and their life given a new impetus because of the teaching they have received. It is splendid to see men without feet making hoots, men with one arm typing, keeping books and writing shorthand; men with .one leg woolclassing and doing engineering and carpentry work; and all interested, happy and contented. _lt is thought that a period of something like eighteen months will elapse before the last of our men can be returned toNew Zealand, after peace is declared, and you can understand that during that period it would be' almost purj poselesn to continue further mstrucj tion •in military exercises. It is, ! therefore, proposed _ to concentrate I noon certain essentials, these being good and efficient citizenship; and with a. view'to securing this, everyone will be taught lioW to write and speak clearly, bow to use and look after his bodv, bow to keep - books.* and t-he elementary principles of economic!?, together with the salient points of history and geography- -In addition there will be certain vocational courses for those taking up such occupations as fruit-farming, agriculture," engineering, wool classing, carpentry and joinery, cabinet making, plumbing, dairying, shorthand and typewriting, Jaw, accountancy, medicine, etc., while such hobbies as basket making, art, wood-carving, metal working, leather work etc will be encouraged. It is felt that the success of this scheme will ‘ have a far-reaching influence for good not • only on the Army itself, hut for New Zealand; and, personally, I feel privileged in having the appointment of officer in charge of it. It seems to m e as if all the time I have given to the science of education and the interest I have taken in it have been meant for this very work; and I am giving it, as you ipay imagine, my, closest attention and whole energy. It is a scheme deaf to the heart of General Richardson, whose enthusiasm I have caught. ‘ ‘My' headquarters are at Walton-on-Thames, and at present I live with a number of doctors in a private residence, hut I am now arranging to .] get some rooms in the big Y.M.C.A. building near by. It Was a big private residence, standing in nice grounds and I should be very happy and comfortable tfiere. I am now busy getting a staff together and you ma T be interested to know that the lad whom I have obtained as my correspondence clerk is a youth of nineteen, who lost one of his legs at Messines. He was a clerk in private life, but had no knowledge whatever of either typewriting or shorthand until he came under the scheme for disabled soldiers. Surely this .is good proof of the value of the work.being done. General Richardson himself lives at Walton and is so- glad always to discuss any of the points which arise, and to "help and encourage the work in every way. He is a great humanitarian and his interest in, and foresight for the well-being of the men are very large and very close indeed. It is a great privilege to work with him; he inspires one with his capacity, thoroughness and honesty of purpose, so you may rest assured that the scheme will be the success I believe it will be. “We are getting a great number of the classes started in the voluntary way just now.'so that when demobilisation does take place the scheme will simply expand and the"educational teaching will quite naturally take the place of the military. One can never tell when'that day will arrive. “In war it is generally 'the unexpected that happens, and as it is believed the Germans are backing everything upon a decision within the next three months, the day when the scheme will come into operation may be nearer than’we oan at present indicate. The Germans are not going to win, are not going to break through, and that. being the ease .the Germanic people, especially the Austrian element, will not stand the further decimation of itb armies. “I should add that we propose to ,give Then the opportunity where possible (and in a small way this is being done now) of visiting the large manufacturies and engineering centres and acquiring knowledge in that with a view to doing the best for Zealand; and to making measure to the man % e -.^ s ® ntr ; o^c sustained by reason of bis p , action. We propose to grant certfa > cates for scholastic work done on tive service, and I bope 2 j Educational Authorities of. NeW Zea ,0 ” d -*? Sill” SfS., ha™ thf cSdial sympathy, W f " rth6r inspiration to ‘carry on. •