LATE LOCALS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1931, Page 5

LATE LOCALS.

The Gael, bound fur Hokitika at ’loon e-day, was at anchor at Cape Famuli.

A special meeting of the Hokitika. Borough Council was held at noon. Present: The Mayor (Mr G. A.. Perry), Messrs J. King, L. Heenan, A. G. •Armstrong, D. J. Evans, 1. W. Duff, A. R. Elcock and Dr Teiehelmann. The annual rate, at the same .levy for the previous year was struck, with a rebate allowance of 5 per cent. Mr T. Staines tender for the removal of the offal from the abattoirs, for twelve months, with the right of renewal, was accepted. The Town Clerk reported in respect to

drainage work in Park Street, and same was approved. Mr Evans reported with regard to a reserve matter investigated at Wellington, and same was considered satisfactory.

“Our system is still dominated and cursed by preparation lor a written examination winch lies, perhaps, yeais ahead,” states the report of inspectors oP schools in the Education Board's annual report for 1930. The report seated that oral expression - had not advanced to any appreciate degree in the schools, in only a few schools were consistent efforts made to induce the pupils to- talk freely on any matter uncltr discussion. The progress -made in this respect in many infant departments was not continued in the standard classes. There appeared too great a tendency to get the pupils to write rather than to speak. Yet in life, for which education ought to prepare, clear and correct oral expression was demanded infinitely oftener than written expression. There could be no doubt that progress in nearly every subject was grievously hampered by the inability or unwillingness of the pupils to discuss the subject matter with the teacher. In fact, says the report, it might- be said that discussion as a factor in education hardly exists in the schools.