STUDY OF THE CLASSICS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 18 June 1924, Page 8

STUDY OF THE CLASSICS

VALUE OF ENGLISH LITERATURE

“The Classics: Are they Over-valued in Education?” was the subject of an interesting address delivered by Mr W. H. Newton, a well-known Auckland headmaster, at the weekly luncheon of the Auckland Rotary Club, says the Herald.

In opening, the speaker said the query admitted of two answers. It depended upon the interpretation of the word '■'classics.” If they were defined as being Greek and Latin literature, he was of opinion 1 they were over-valued. If however, the classics embraced English literature, the question was to he answered in an emphatic negative. “Our own classics are not valued .enough, and the study of the English language and literature is the sure

foundation for culture,” said Mr Newton. A knowledge of Latin and Greek was essential to certain professional men, but this need was limited to a very small i section of the community. The type of culture which was the hallmark of an educated man was to be achieved by schooling under a curriculum which had as a basis the study of the mother tongue. Education was a life-long process, and in effect it rendered employment, whether productive or creative, a‘ real enjoyment. The aim of most; teachers was to create in their pupils a thirst for knowledge, but it was difficult to obtain a large measure of success in this object.

‘‘The examination fetish is far too potent, and aft hough 1 do not advocate the abolition of examination and intelligence tests, I do not bold with those who think that failure at examinations should' be allowed to stigmatise an unfortunate candidate for life,” said Mr Newton.

Rotarians could themselves participate in a movement' for the improvement of the education system. A post-primary course was desirable, in which particular attention would lie given to the study of English literature. Business firms were repeatedly complaining that their employees lacked a knowledge of ordinary English. Restricted vocabularies and bad spelling were too common. Time should be devoted to tho study of literature, history, and language as an instrument of thought- and expression, and when this was brought into close touch with the occupation of the scholar, the present gap between industry and culture would be bridged. In moving a vote of thanks to the speaker, Professor H. W. Seagar said it was universally admitted that English literature was the greatest- in the world. The study of the classics would remove the ; narrowness that characterised some business men. Tt afforded an inexhaustbile source of amusement, and English classics stood unchallenged for variety and excellence.