NATIVE SCHOOLS. GT ————

Otago Witness, Issue 2809, 15 January 1908, Page 37

NATIVE SCHOOLS. GT — — — —

NEW CODE OF INSTRUCTION. An important, step forward in connectionwith the Native school system js foreshadowed by the publication of a -proposed new code of instruction, which will be informaly discussed at a conference of Native* school teachers to be held at the end of the* month in Auckland. -The inspectors of j Native schools will probably be ( present.. ■' Particulars of the proposed new courses of instruction " are being circulated among 1 those interested in the Native school system. The teaching of the -Maori child to read.write, and converse in English has always been the leading feature of the Native school work, and as the scholars have had 1 to do their lessons in English, a foreign. 1 language to them, the standard of oduca.- > tion in a Native school has necessarily been •, lower than that in the ordinary elementary j (school. Now, the standard is to be raised ; untiljf almost reaches the European school level, though an essential difference is the ' large amount of attention paid to what might be termed utilitarian subjects, such as elementary manual training, carpentry, gardening, cooking, sewing, and domestic instruction for girls. Though these subjects have not previously been compulsory, many teaohers in the' Nativ-e schools, re-i cognising the need, have already done sple.idid work in getting their pupils to tale an interest in practical matters closely coi A neeted with their everyday life. English, arithmetic, handwork, Natuio study_i morals, singing, and physical instruction are enumerated as the subjects of instruction, and the importance < f thoroughly grounding the children in * knowledge of English at an early stage ii emphasised. In regard to manual training. Which comes second only to English i.» importance, it is proposed to give teacher t full liberty in their choice of subjects ioy elementary work, so long as they succeed in training children to habits of carefuj observation and exactitude, combined with cleanliness and neatness. Wherever it ma;i seem expedient, the Education Departmen} will take steps to establish workshops fo;\ the purpose of giving instruction in wood< w.ork. As a. general rule, however, tin Maoris residing in the district will be ex> pected to give assistance in providing, material, and in the erection of the building. The course of work may be arranged on the lines suggested in the hand-book on woodwork issued by the department. Wher^ ever a suitable opportunity occurs a school garden should be formed, states the proposed code, and among i;he tasks to be set for the young Maori gardeners will be tha preparation of the soii for the reception of seeds, experiments with various manures, study of the rotation and succession ot I crops, the prevention of disease and spray-* ing of potatoes, the destruction of insect pests, and keeping the land free from, weeds. Teachers who undertake fhe instruction of the older Maori girls in domestic duties are urged to bear in mind that the object in view is practical instruction, and the dishes taught are to be suited to the wants of the Maori people in the neighbourhood.*" Cooking practice with the camp-oven is, therefore, suggested. Instruction may also be given in washing, starching, and ironing, and the code does not overlook^the necessity for instruction in the laws of health. Gradually the Native Bchools are becoming more like the ordinary / elementary schools in regard to the work -done and thd proficiency of the children. When they reaoh this etage they are handed over to the local Education Board as ordinary State schools, two instances of this kind having- , occurred last year — viz., at Wairau, in th^ Marlborough district, and Waikawa, nea* Picton. Probably in 20 years the advances indicated by the proposed new code will have brought the race up to the same stan« ( d&rd of education and proficiency in English as -the pakeha ; then the Native school system, having accomplished its aim, will cease to exist as a system apart from thai under the control of our -education- boards' ' A prominent figure in marine engineer*, ing circles, stated to a. New Zealand Times reporter that, the shortage' in the supply of, marine engineers of all grades which has existed for some time has. now reached act unite, stage.