THE NORMAL SCHOOL LECTURES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 5008, 8 March 1877, Page 3

THE NORMAL SCHOOL LECTURES.

TO THB EWTOE OF THE LTTTELTOS TIKES. Sie,— No person can have listened to the deeply interesting and instmctive lectures that have been already delivered by Mr Howard, as port of Che coarse contained in his programme, without feeling the great influence thev moat exert upon the teachers and the future teaching In our pnblia schools, or the immense boon they are to those who have had no training, or have been separated for many years from the training establishments of the Old Country. With many others, I feel it is a great pity they cannot be brought within the reach of every teacher of onr Canterbury schools, and especially of chose who are isolated cy surrounding circumstances from their fellow labourers. Though the attendance on Saturday last was larger than hitherto, still, there are many teachers who are depriving themselves of what might te made conducive to their lasting benefit by their absence. I sneak especially of those who do not attend and yet have the means of access within ;hfir r:u h. Doubtless, in many cases, this is caused by the expense incurred in reaching Christchurch once or twice weekly. Bailway and coach tares w old become a heavy item upon the cin.»ges o: the teachers’ salary, and which, in most oases, could scarcely be borne. For myself, only a few miles from Christchurch, my railway fares will cos: at least 7a od per week, without any additional expenses. I think it this matter were brought bt (>ra the Genera! Government by the Beard ■ f Education, it would be reoei.ed very favourably, aui a concession would be obtained, so that tea. hers attending these classes could be carried at reuuosd rates upon our railways, or some remaceraci i he given, if it is shown that they have regmiily attended the lectures, or at least, for a given number of times. I feel assured, if this were done, the numbers attending would increase very much, v I greater impetus be given to the improvement ei the svstem now pursued in Canterbury.—l am, sc., " iTrpsuivi'