EDUCATION OF OUR TROOPS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4906, 27 June 1918, Page 5

EDUCATION OF OUR TROOPS.

BIG SCHEME UNDERTAKEN. (Special From the Official War Correspondent). June 23. A few months ago the question of further education and training of our troops was taken in baud by thd admiriistration in England and by the command in r ranee. Kline much may be possible in England, it was realised that, though war uiificulties were in the way of arranging any comprehensive scheme applicable at the iront, nevertheless it was thought that something might be accomplished even in France. A Board was appointed to give the matter careful consideration and subsequently an educational officer took a census of the requirements of offioers and men throughout the whole division. Ihe result shows a total of 14,000 men requiring instruction. In all 100 subjects were mentioned in the return, and of these, 30 subjects account for 75 per cent of the total figures. Th© main figures under the principal headings are: General Subjects— General education ... ... 1104 Civil Service Wfj Matriculation 167 Languages 152 Mathematics ... 96 Chemistry fjfj University Subjects— Law 172 Arts SS School teaching 72 Medicine 67 Journalist .35 Dentistry 23 Technical and commercial subjects— Farming 3117 Wool-classing 1033 Sheepfarming 770 Fruitfarming 16S Stockbreeding 132 Dairyfarming ... 125 Book-keeping - 730 Accountancy, 677 Commercial course 206 Shorthand 134 Salesmanship 117 Carpentry 334 Architecture 197 Building 137 Cabinetmaking ... ... 123 Engineering 915 Motor mechanics 750 Motor engineering 537 Electrical engineering 520 Marine engineering 142Blacksmiths 257 Telegraphy "" 213 Engine driving teJ Plumbing UT-' AVireless telegraphy 121 Printing 113 Surveying - 16It is probable _ that under the Y.M.C.A. a tentative scheme will he adopted in France such as will pave the way for the introduction of the larger project for trie period of demobilisation. The proposal is to appoint directors from our own- forces cr agriculture, commercial and business training, science and technical education, study relating to the history of warfare and progress oi New Zealand and general educational work to be carried on throughoutthe lectures. Debates, discussion circles, a library and magazine and distribution of technical and trade literature, correspondence courses and an information bureau and social economics will be a feature oi the course. ' The New Zealanders are holding a military tournament to-day.