EDUCATION INSTITUTE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9623, 31 March 1917, Page 5

EDUCATION INSTITUTE

VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL THE SPORT OF SBTMMINU. A meeting of the Wellington branch of the Educational Institute was held last night, Mr E. Ballachey presiding. A communication was received trom the Wellington Public School Assistant Masters’ Association stating that it had passed the following resolution: “That this association is strongly of opinion that all teachers on ac.svo military service should have their pay made up to their civilian pay received before enlisting, and that by the suspension of the salary clauses of tho Act with regard to war appointments a saving could be made which would considerably lessen the cost of such a concession.”—lt was decided to recommend tho resolution to the executive of tho Educational Institute. A motion was submitted by Miss E. M. Rowley: “That, as the provision for continuing the education of pupils who hivo passed through the primary schools is inadequate for present requirements, it is advisable to establish a second grade or vocational high school for girls in the city of Wellington.” Mr A. C. Blake seconded the motion. which evoked an interesting discussion. It was pointed out that in the primary schools little more could be done than open up subjects, and it would bo an undoubted benefit if children could go to a secondary school whore subjects wero specialised to fit them for particular avocations. Mr A. L. Burns suggested that the subject was of such importance it might well be postponed for mature consideration as to details.

Miss P. Myers remarked that it was a good time to recast ideas as to the employment, of women. She advocated action in tho direction of encouraging a love for rural life, and remarked that she had been much interested in a recent publication which pointed out .that thcro wore fifty-five noxious weeds which could be put to profitable uso. It seemed to be that the period was opportune for considering now avenues of occupation for women.

Mr j. Thomas thought that at the present juncture it would bo better to extend the work of the technical schools. The most practical move would be to urge better buildings and surroundings for the technical schools. Mr H. A. Parkinson advocated the raising of the school age. He thought that the motion should he amended expressing tho view that in Wellington city provision should ho made for the extension of the school years of all children. The latest news from America was that a compulsory school age up to eighteen was contemplated. It was decided that the discussion should bo adjourned to a later meeting, and a committee ho set up to report on the subject. On tho'motion of Mr P- M. Jackson it was resolved: “That any teacher unfit for active service should bo re-employed in teaching, since this is the best home service such a teacher can render.”

Mr Blake brought up tho report of a sub-committoo on the subject of swimming, suggesting that an association should ho set up oh similar lines to those governing other sports. The committee considered that some of the distances recently swum in competitions was too long, and that the maximum distance for primary schools should not bo more than 100 yards. Personally, .Mr Blako was of opinion that there was far too much racing, and there was no justification for competitions in which boys and girls risked the straining of tho heart. He thought in connection with swimming racing might ho dispensed with. Every child, should ho taught to swim, but in his own time. The report was