SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLMASTERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume C, Issue 11751, 1 December 1898, Page 3

SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLMASTERS.

TO THE EDITOR, Sir, —Your admirable article on school examinations, published on Wednesday last, is very timely, as it shows how certain apparent wea k n esses may be eliminated from our school methods. You say: “Above all more importance might be attached to the composition itself, and the pupil should clearly understand that no amount of information would atone for a slovenly style.” The warning is timely, and few will disagree with it. I know lads who have passed the sixth standard—children of parents who use fairly good average English—who make a fearful hash of writing and speaking. Here are one or two examples, “He seen her,” “I seen him.” Then, in speaking only, how often do we hear boys using that odious, mongrel word, “aiut,” a word fatal to all style. Surely such blemishes could be eradicated with a. little care, that is providing the teacher is on the alert.—l am, etc., PRUDENS FUTURE

THE NEW BRIGHTON MYSTERY, TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —With regard to the mysterious death of the child Elsie Tulley, I think the evidence published was disgusting in the extreme, and I feel sure that there was not one iota of truth in, it. 1 knew the child. I taught her and her step-brother together in Standard I- at-East Christchurch School She was very dull and backward, but otherwise gave no trouble. She war. nether forward nor rude. By her dress and its great contract with that of her step-brother, she bore eveiy appearance of being unjustly treated. She was sent to school in mid-winter without wrap of any kind, and many a. time have I let her dry herself by the fire. I think it very' possible that harshness has had much to do with the poor child drowning herself. She was extremely childish, both in appearance and ways, and I think a. cruel slur has been cast on her character. —I am, etc.. TEACHER. FINING YOUNG GIRLS. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I don’t know that much sympathy would have been felt bad the fine itself been the only-pecuniary punishment, but the costs, £1 Bs’ each, presumably including £1 Is solicitor's fee, are disgraceful. I always understood these fees were at the discretion of the Magistrate, and I cannot see that there

were any circumstances in .connection with these cases to warrant their,being allowed. I am almost more surprised that they were accepted.—l am, etc., UNION.