The Hastings Standard Published Daily MONDAY, DEC. 20, 1897. IMPORTANT MATTERS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 506, 20 December 1897, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily

MONDAY, DEC. 20, 1897. IMPORTANT MATTERS.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the f.;ood that we can do.

Some matters of more than ordinary importance are dealt with in the annual reports of the School Inspectors to the Education Department this year. The report of Inspector Hill, of Hawke's Bay, is particularly interesting in parts. It suggests the advisability of departing from the ordinary school curriculum, or adding to it, by introducing the metric system. In view of the extension of our trade relations with foreign countries there is no doubt that the metric system, which is in operation in Europe and America, will have to be adopted. And the sooner the better. Mr Hill also deals with the question of science instruction. He says, " All <! true sience has for its great aim "the art of doing well." This is a somewhat vague definition of the object of science. What is meant by " living well ?" Well in health, well in pocket, or well in soul ? But with the main contention of Mr Hill, that " effort is thrown away in too many cases," we thoroughly agree. Science as it is taught in many of our public schools to-day is utterly useless. It does not impress the young mind or assist it in forming ideas which will be of practical use in after years. Mr Hill refers further to the question of education, and remarks that what is wanted just now, in the country schools especially, is the utilisation of the cheese and butter-factories for the benefit of the children in technical traintng. Such factories are to be found in many townships, and one hears of the coming of the Dairy Inspector and of the special lecturer, but it is curious that, in a matter of so much importance to the country, the services of such officers are not used for the training of boys and girls in the art of butter-making and cheese-making, so as to anticipate the years that are to come. The Danes have introduced instruction-schools of this type, and surely, even with a moderate organization, the same'plan could be adopted here. All we require is reorganization, and a simplification of our present plans, for no increase of expenditure is wanted to bring about what will soon become indispensable, if the children are to grow up capable of competing in productive intelligence with those of other countries.