The Southern Cross. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. INVERCARGILL : SATURDAY, AUG. 23 EDUCATIONAL.

Southern Cross, Volume 10, Issue 21, 23 August 1902, Page 8

The Southern Cross. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. INVERCARGILL : SATURDAY, AUG. 23 EDUCATIONAL.

A movement is on foot. to establish, classes in Invercargill with the object of affording higher education to teachers and others desirous of selfimprovement. Some ten years ago the Southland collegiate classes did admirable work, both .in enabling students to prepare for university examinations, and in providing instruction for others who wished to pursue their studies beyond the limit they had reached at school. Unfortunately these classes were allowed to lapse after three or four 1 sessions, and since then students have had no means of obtaining assistance and direction in their studies except through private coaching. It is felt that this is something of a reproach to a town of the population and resources of Invercargill ; and several gentlemen of high educational standing are now endeavouring to remove this reproach, and to promote higher mental culture among teachers and others by establishing classes for languages, science, and other subjects. It is not proposed that subjects shall be taught solely with a view to examinations ; thoroughness and practical use are to be aimed at. Modern languages, in particular, are to be taught as living; Mr Zimmer, whose abilities in this direction are so well known, being prepared to give tuition in them. Liast Saturday a meeting of teachers was convened at the Education Board’s room to consider the establishment of these classes, when Mr T. J. Gilfedder read a paper dealing with the scope and object of the work proposed, and Mr Braik, Inspector, Mr Wm. Clark, and Mr Zimmer spoke as to the need for classes for higher education, and the lines on which they should be formed. It was decided to form a committee to draw up a syllabus, and report to a meeting to be held on the 13th of September, Messrs Braik, Hendry, Gilfedder, Selby and Clark being appointed members. The project will, if realised, be most useful in promoting higher education in Southland, and it is to be earnestly hoped it will meet with warm support.