THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1260, 23 April 1896, Page 16

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

A lecture was given on Monday night by Mr C. Wilson, editor of the Is e vv Zealand Mai r,, at the meeting of the Women’s Social and Political League, entitled “ Education in Our Homes and Schools.” The room was crowded with members and their friends. The president (Mrs B. .T. Seddon) occupied the chair. After a brief allusion to the importance of education as a factor in tin; general welfare of the State, Mr Wilson, who was received with applause, proceeded to review the working of the system at present in existonco in this Colony, comparing it very favourably with the English system, but giving both credit for the vastly increased mental culture and social welfare of the people, as well as for, especially in the English case, a diminution in crime. What the lecturer considered the faults and. drawbacks of the New Zealand system were then dealt with ; the overloading of the syllabus, the prevalence of “ cram ” as opposed to genuine instruction, the undue strain placed on the memory of the pupils as opposed to the more necessary training of the mind being all dwelt upon. The lecturer advocated reforms in the administration of the system, the strengthening of the functions and powers of the committees, greater uniformity in the standard examinations in the various districts, the placing of inspectors under tho direct control of tho Education Department, and the introduction of a cheap and uniform national series of text books. After stating his firm conviction that tho man who sought to alter the three salient features of the present free, secular and compulsory system was a traitor to the democracy and an enemy to the State, the lecturer proceeded to attack tho Bible in schools agitation. A lengthy reference to this subject brought the first part of the lecture to a close. In tho second part tho lecturer insisted in forcible terms upon tho fact that, whilst the education of the mind could largely bo left in tho hands of the school teachers, the formation of character, the instilling of the principles of courtesy, honesty, thrift and patriotism into tho youthful mind ought to bo the work of the parents, and must be done at home. The advantages of literary and musical culture, tho influences of order, neatness and parental restraint all received attention, and tho lecture concluded with an earnest appeal to all parents, especially mothers, to do their best to strengthen the moral character of their children and bring to bear upon them all tho influences of refinement within their power. Tho lecture, which contained quotations from celebrated writers, statesmen and educational authorities, and was delivered in a pleasant, homely stylo, was well received, tho lecturer being frequently applauded. Several questions were asked and answered, and tho meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the lecturer.