ASTRONOMY IN THE T.B.H.S

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13980, 16 August 1909, Page 3

ASTRONOMY IN THE T.B.H.S

To the Editor of the "Timaru Herald/' Sir, —A good many people smiled on Saturday morning when thev read the letter tent you by 3lr "Astonished." tor they realised how neatly the High School boy referred to had got off his little joke. There is - a delightful operation known as "pulling his'leg," and it is one much enjoved by bovs, particularly by High School" bovs. I'rom my knowledge of the work done in the geography classes in the local Boys' High School, I can assure 31 r "Astonished" that the astronomical part of the subject receives verv thorough treatment. Certainly, the boys don't "do" astronomy—it's far too wide a subject—but their attention is directed towards the evening sky. For some time past one of my boys, a High School pupil, I'm proud to" sav. lias been talking learnedly of the "planisphere " used in class, and has been holding over his head a circular drawing of the heavens, and pointing out the position of star after star, and identifying therefrom the heavonlv body referred to. I think that should satisfy Mr "Astonished" as to the training given in practical astronomy in our Boys' High School. I nii'y say that no High School teacher knows that lam writing this. I have written because I hke to see justice done.— I am, etc., I'AREXT. 1-1/6/09.