LANGUAGES NOT WANTED

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6755, 7 November 1928, Page 10

LANGUAGES NOT WANTED

NO GOOD FOB FARMERS’ SONS Criticism of the conditions at present obtaining for tho matriculation examination from tho point of view offarmers’ sons, in that a language or languages were compulsory, was made at tho monthly meeting of tho provincial executive of tho South Taranaki branch of tho Farmers’ Union at Hawera last week. It was considered that languages should bo made optional and that agricultural science should be allowed to replace the languages if the matriculation/ student so desired. That languages were of little uso to farmers’ sons was the opinion expressed, and a resolution to the effect mentioned was passed. They should endeavour to get the University Senate to agree to grant admission to university of any student who had passed a certain examination in agricultural science, which he might have taken in lieu of languages, contended Mr. J. Cocker.,, It was not a fair thing that an agriculturist should have to study languages in order to get his matriculation. Such was a difficult undertaking, for it was not common to find agricultural and linguistic tendencies in the same person. Foreign languages were not necessary in New Zealand. Referring to agricultural bursaries, Mr. Cocker said they were much lower than academic ones. As a result, parents were tempted to go for the academic ones. There was a movement afoot to get something more practical as an agricultural bursary for Taranaki boys and girls. A lot of time was wasted in, learning languages and, as 97 per cent, of the Dominion’s exports came off the land, agriculture should be fostered.

“Our education is too much up in tho air,” said Mr, Cocker. Those in charge were ; riot ‘ sufficiently practicable. As an instance, the work done in the manual schools could be im?proved. Mr. F, Aroa considered a little French and Latin was necessary. Manual work in the schools was, be agreed, not practicable,