BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1929, Page 8

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS.

The decision to continue the work of the Boys’ and Girls’ Chibs in South Taranaki will be welcomed throughout the districts in which the movement has been such a success. The Ministry has announced its intention of giving primary school teaching a “bias towards the land” wherever this is possible. But while politicians have wrangled and educational experts are still arguing as to the best methods to achieve this laudable ideal, the work of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs has been steadily advancing, and undoubtedly done a good deal towards awakening an interest in husbandry among the primary school pupils of Taranaki. Indeed they have done more. They have stimulated interest in crop and stock raising among the parents of the scholars, and if proof of this were necessary, it could be found in the interest shown by adults in the judging of the children’s work in these directions. The organisation of the clubs naturally entails some expenditure, and it is satisfactory to note that excellent arrangements in this regard have now been made, and that those responsible for the w’ork are assured of support. A good deal more remains to be done in this direction. The fee suggested for wellwishers is only five shillings, and seeing the value of the training given the support already in sight should be but an earnest of that which will be available. The clubs have had the hearty co-opera-tion of the Farmers’ Union, and the experts of the Agricultural Department and Education Board. Last but by no means least, the primary school teachers have in most instances shown an enthusiasm in regard to the work which is highly commendable, and is bound to have had its effect upon the success achieved.