MR. JAMES ALLEN'S TOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15234, 22 February 1913, Page 6

MR. JAMES ALLEN'S TOUR.

It is evident that Mr. James Allen, Minister for Finance, Defence and Education, who is now in London, has noit gone on a pleasure trip. After only three weeks' residence in London he has completed the flotation of & £3,000,000 loan ; he has still important work to do in London in consultation with His . Majesty's Ministers in developing a nival defence policy for New Zealand; which will be helpful to the Mother Couiatry and within the limits of New Zealand's financial ability; now it is announced that he intends to .familiar-; ise himself with the latest ediSea--tibnal methods, and that he hopes to visit Germany for this purpose, Thus J the efficiency of the three important I departments under Mr. Allen's control will ;be increased by his six j months' tour. New Zealand has I much to be proud of in her educa-1 tional .system, but the "nothing to j learn era has passed, ■. and in view of Mr. Allen's lifelong : interest in education randj his knowledge of educational; ■methods, we may look for something material <- resulting from his inquiries. Germany in recent years has mad-i great efforts to develop her educational systems along utilitarian .sa& national lines. The Kaiser's dtderation that " it is cms duty to edu#te young men to become young (Germans and not young Greeks and Romans " has led in recent years to many important conferences leading to interesting changes, the results of which Mr. Allen will'be able to investigate oh i the spot, The inquiry could not. be \ in better hands, and it can only, reI suit in strengthening the New Zealand educational system in all its branshes. •' "'--.^