ADVICE TO TEACHERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20740, 6 December 1930, Page 13

ADVICE TO TEACHERS.

IDEALS OF THE PROFESSION. ADDRESS BY LORD BLEDISLOE. [by telegeaph.--press association.] "WELLINGTON, Friday. The Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledislou attended the closing for the holidays' of the teachers' training college at Kelburn to-day. His Excellency iiaid it was a particularly congenial task to address them, for in the days of his childhood his great ambition was to be. a teacher. He agreed with Mr. Lomas, their principal, that teachers required to be trained. The principal had also said: "Do not be tied too much by tradition." With that also he agreed, except on such matters as loyalty and patriotism. " I have never addressed a potentially more influential audience than this. There is no nobler profession than yours, none more designed to have a more certain or powerful influence on your country and the Empire to which you belong. Teaching has become an art in every sense of tho word, and requires a considerable amount of preparation. " You are in what tho lawyers call ' a fiduciary position,' rather than that of a beneficiary. If anyone is entering tho profession of teaching to-day moved by motives of self-interest only, I suggest that lie seek soirio other occupation or vocation.

" Upon what are your high ideals based ? If you do not teach religion—and most of you'will not—at least show that you aro inspired by religious faith and religious conviction, and by so doing you will carry much greater conviction as regards the ideals of life with thoso plastic and; impressionable young minds which it will be your privilege to mould for their own and their country's good."