SUMMER SCHOOL

Southland Times, Issue 20395, 26 January 1928, Page 8

SUMMER SCHOOL

SESSION CONCLUDED TEACHERS RETURN FROM STEWART ISLAND ENJOYABLE AND PROFITABLE HOLIDAY (From Our Correspondent.) On her return trip from Half Moon Bay yesterday, the Theresa Ward carried with her the large party of teachers who have been attending the Summer School at Stewart Island for the past ten days. The session has been both educative and pleasant, combining trips around the beauty spots of the Island with instructive addresses from lecturers who are specialists in their own particular field. Regret was expressed by all the teachers interviewed that the school could not be extended for another week.

On Monday, Dr. Lawson gave an address on “The Subconscious Mind,” touching on the subject of dreams, fears, imagination and repression, noting the effects on the child nature and stressing the necessity for teachers to consider the individuality of each child.

Mr Don lectured on “Blackboard Drawing,” a practical lesson on the use of the blackboard in all the subjects of the curriculum. He stressed the point that finished drawings were not required for illustrative purposes, but that sketches should be developed along with the lessons, and gave many useful hints as to how this might be accomplished.

Mr Bird spoke on “The Geography of the Far North of New Zealand” and was heard to advantage on the nature of the soil, climate, resources, and possibilities of that part of the Dominion so often referred to in Maori legend. The speaker also recounted some of the incidents connected with the earliest explorers, all of whom visited that district, and made many interesting references to Maori lore. Dr. Galway gave an address on “The Songs of Schubert,” tracing the history of the development of song writing and leading up to the part that Schubert had played. He gave a brief account of the short and sad life of the great master, and commented on the wonderful fact that a man whose life was affected by abject poverty should have written hundreds of wonderful melodies.

Mr Walmsley of Dunedin, vocally demonstrated some of the beautiful numbers, among them being “Hark"! Hark! The Lark!” and "The Trout.”

On Tuesday Mr Bird, by special request, lectured on the pronounciation of the Maori language and on the usual method of learning the language, following up by answering many questions as to the meaning of place names. The lecturer, who was for many years an Inspector of Native Schools, has a thorough knowledge of Maori and kept his listeners keenly interested. Mr Don concluded his series of lectures by an address on the development of the art of printing, illustrating his lecture by photographs of old manuscripts, many of which were wonderfully decorated. He also stressed the importance of printing as an aid to school work.

On Tuesday evening the usual dinner was held, after which a number of toasts were honoured. Before the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” concluded a pleasant function, Miss Mackay called on Mies Keiller to accept a cheque as a token of the appreciation of the members of the school for the courtesy and consideration shown at all times by the staff of the house. Miss Keiller suitably acknowledged the gift. The same evening the school entertained the Islanders at a hurriedly arranged, but most enjoyable concert. The packed house was hearty in its appreciation and the local Sunday School funds were augmented by the sum of £l5 which was taken at the door.

All teachers speak enthusiastically of the Island and its beauty, and consider that no more ideal spot could have been chosen. The provisions made for their comfort and pleasure had given them a most enjoyable time, and the executive, and Mr G. F. Griffiths in particular, were complimented on their organising skill.