PATRIOTISM IN SCHOOLS

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 12 July 1921, Page 5

PATRIOTISM IN SCHOOLS

WORTH WHILE IF TAUGHT

(Contributed by the N.Z. Welfare

League).

The Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister of Education, has rightly taken up the" mutter or' teaching patriotism in our public schools. It will be something well done if it is really done weil. We trust it will not be confined to a mere mechanical saluting of the flag, or possibly droning of "God Save the King." ■ After all, patriotism is something that lives more in the spirit than tlje letter of observance. That our young people should be trained to Honour the King and salute the flag of our great Empire with true respect.is most desirable. This honour can, we think, be best evoked by appealing to the emotions, the imagination, the idealism, and the unselfish ambition that io latent in every boy and girl. We are inclined to think the love of country can be best inspired by indirect methods of appeal. The spirit which has made the members of the British race' ready and willing to sacrifice themselves on many historic occasions for the preservation of their nation and Empire has not been the outcome of mere lectures. Patriotism has been sung into the souls of the people by ballads and folk songs. One great Englishman said. "Let who will write the laws, if I might only write the ballads of my country." It is by carrying the children's minds right away from all the sordid cynicism and self-seeking that even they might be tainted with to-day, and showing them the grandeur of their heritage as Britishers, that sound patriotism may be developed in them. In its fuller manifestation this work of training may be rather tor the specialist, who can give full attention to the enthusiasm that the subject particularly calls for, than the ordinary teacher buzdened with the varied tasks of a wide curriculum. To present shortly from time to time what the Great Empire we belong means in its far flung importance amongst the nations of the earth, its essential dignity and worth, will naturally stir the pride of the scholars. Then our children can be brought to love the Dominion for its beauty., in natural features, its traditions of heroism and work, to which can be added the rich advantages of its bounty and freedom. The object of this training in'patriotism should be to incite to such a mentality as will leave the coming generation of "Aoteroa" wijjh-the same feeling as possesses the poet Robert Burns, when he wrote of his own youthful aspirations :•

"Even then a wish, I mind its power, A wish which to my latest hour Shall strongly heave'my breast; That I for dear auld Scotland's sake Some useful plan or book might make; Or sing a song at least."

We congratulate the Hon. Mr Parr on taking up this cause. To teach the young people the virtues and service, and inspire them with love for,their country, .and ambition to do something in its honour is in all respects Veil worth while. The right thought is our country's greatest defence. Both grownups and children can do'""with the highest patriotism. ... -