THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9494, 25 April 1894, Page 4

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

Judging by the proceedings at the meetings of school committees, there is no general complaint as to the working of the present Act. The householders and the parents of children appear to be fairly satisfied that the Act works well so far as the committees are concerned. At the meeting in the City district, the chairman, Mr. Blades, referred to an Act brought in by the Minister of Education last session, and which would curtail the powers of school committees. A Minister who proposed to limit the functions of school committees would have to show a strong case. If he were successful, he would certainly weaken the hold which the Act has upon the people. In regard to our own City Schools Committee, various rumours have been current that a system of petty jobbery prevails in regard to work connected with the school buildings. These reports, however, found no expression at the meeting of householders, so that we must assume they have no foundation. At the Parnell meeting,, a resolution was passed disapproving of the suggestion of the inspectors that the teaching of history should be abolished. We think that opportunity should be taken of these annual meetings to do something more than merely elect a committee. _ There should be an endeavour to elicit expressions of opinion on whether improvements might not be made in regard to the subjects taught. We are quite sure that many parents are competent to give opinions on this point well worth listening to. From observation of their children they must see that in some respects improvements might be made in the system of teaching which would better fit the children for the battle of life. The fact, however, that at these meetings there has been little criticism of the system shows that on the whole it is giving satisfaction.