MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IV, Issue 742, 11 December 1915, Page 2

MINISTERIAL VISIT.

GYMNASIUM AT NAPIER

TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

OPENED BY HON. J. A. HANAN.

The new building at the Napier Technical College recently erectol at the Napier Technical College, which is to be used as a gymnasium, social hall, etc., was yesterday afternoon by .the Minister of Education (the Hon. J. A. Hanan). Advantage was taken of the occasion to hold the annual exhibition ot pupils’ work, which, as usual, was a credit to the school. A number of parents were present, in addition to manv visitors jand members of the Hawke’s Bay Education Board. The Minister was briefly introduced by Mr. J. H. Sheath (Chairman of the Education Board), and on behalf of the Managers of the Technical College, thanked for attending to open the building. They were, he said; indebted to the Minister for a grant in aid of the work. He desired, also, to express his appreciation of the ability and keenness which the Minister displayed in connection with educational matters. . | The Minister thanked the chairman for his welcome, and said he was pleased to have visited the dis-, trict, and to have seen ofj enlightened progress. which were visible on all sides. After the war there would be no more important subject for the consideration ofjhe British Empire ! than education-1 Britain and her Allies would have to see that they were properly qualified for the contest for commercial supremacy that would foliow the war. It was necessary to see that our artisans were fully trained' I trained with their hands and brains. | Holding Radical view?, he recognis-J ed that co-operation would assist the worker, but he was conyinped. that until the worker’was trained with his brains and hands he would not occupy th position that ne was en-i titled to. Vocational education was necessary for the man, who worked in the foundry, the farm and ’the factory, just as vocational education was necessary for doctors, lawyers, apd others. He hoped the. Jwie would comb when New Zealandwhs a.' country of small holding. They

must sees to it that had tural education, so that tnO men on the land would be jsElled farffiers. Everyone in the’ country .hadnpt yet recognised' the importance of agricultural training; In this district great progress was being made with the fruit industry, which needed special training. He hopedthe, training in each district would .reflect the .industries of that district.. Jt. was important that the girls should be trained to be good- mothers and good wives—and np inore noble -fluty ■was assigned to anyone. -He- was glad 4o see what was bejng done in thite district to educate'those who would some day be mothers ..and wives, . The time would come when domestic duties would be looked up to jiyrti as nursing is 4 It -was to be regretted that employers did not take indfe interest in technical education. They Wanted to enlist the sympathy of the employer as well as- the- outside, worker. When the employer recognised the benefit oftechnical education they would give it -more' support. They wanted to create a public opinion, appreciation, of technical education. When that was 'fully established they would be' wejl on the way to the goal of national efficiency, s In concluding, the. /Minister referred to the patriotic 'spirit shown by the girls and - boys of New Zealand. There were men 'in the Dominion who possessed greiit wealth, and who had not responded with any great readiness in tnakihg contributions to patriotic fi&nds, while the boys and girls in this district had cheerfully and readily done their best to assist. He had an example of this before him in the telegram in his hand, from the headmaster of the -Onga Onga School, which read: “Pupils efforts at bazaar yesterday realised £460.” fApplause). Reverting to technical education, he said most boys and girls would gain greater benefit , from a technical school ratheY than a Secondary school. He. would have, high education for those who were fitted for it; tools for those who were fitted for thbm; everyone in a place that would suit them for a life career. . At the conclusion of his address the Minister was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. 'Subsequently he inspected the work of the pupils, with which he expressed himself well pleased.

The Minister in Charge of Munitions and Supplies desires that in ,the acquisition of inlitary stores and other articles under tms head all • members of the commercial community should be given a direct opportunity to secure such contracts or orders as. the department has from time to time to offer. To attain this object it is proposed to establish as from January 1, 1916, a register of manufacturers, merchants; and others who desire to make applications for the supply of goods to the department. Application to be put on the register of suppliers-must be made on forms prepared for the purpose, which can be obtained from the Defence Stores at each of the four principal centres in the Dominion.