TECHNICAL TRAINING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17096, 19 February 1916, Page 8

TECHNICAL TRAINING.

It was inevitable that tile war would affect the attendance at the Technical College, at all events in regard to evening work. Fortunately, youths have been encouraged to continue evening studies until they are well on towards manhood, and so it happens that the war has reduced the number of students. The reports which the chairman and the director were able to make at the annual prize-giving, however. may be considered satisfactory under tho circumstances. IVe are glad to know that a scheme for the training of apprentices is being put forward with fair indications of success. Among tho numerous changes in the national life that will be caused by the wnV. one of the most important will bo connected with the production of goods that had been secured previously from markets which will vanish. If German rivalry is to bo combated', reliance must not be wholly on tariff walls. Indeed, we arc more than a little apprehensive lest tho erection of such barriers against German goods may facilitate the undue forcing of local prices. But the point we want to make just now is that local production requires to he stimulated, and that when it comes clown to bedrock, purchasers will look at the quality of the article with an eye that may be patriotic but will certainly be critical. In other words, if local manufacturers are looking for business, they must " deliver the goods.” To that end the highest degree of technical training is more than essential: it is imperative. Me should like to see every boy and youth who can usefully do so take up work at the Technical College, for in that institution is provided the machinery for shaping the artisan of tho future. Germany will not be the only competitor to bo considered later on. Even if present enemy countries arc ostracised, the world is wide enough to produce rivals. Inter-imperial trade will unquestionably be stimulated by the war. as it ought, to be, but in t-liis practical, work-a-day world, while sentiment- may count for much, the consumer will inevitably, and' quite legitimately, refuse to ignore the importance of efficiency. And only technical training can give efficiency in manufacture.