NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18201, 27 February 1929, Page 8

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

The New Syllabus: “The new syllabus spells the emancipation of the teaciier and the child. ins own rate,” said Mr F. A. Garry, head master of the Mount Itoskill School, Auckland, in a recent review of the work of the primary schools. Speaking of the optional subjects introduced, Mr Garry said that the practical difficulties in the way of instruction m French would mean that this subject would not be taught at all. Other leading educationists also find much to commend in the new syllabus. Mi* Spenceley Walker, head master of the Newton Central School, and president of the Auckland branch ofvthe New Zealand Educational Institute, said that teachers felt that a load had been lifted from their backs with the introduction of the new provisions. He saw a difficulty which might arise regarding proficiency examinations, as under the new system instruction was bound to vary greatly at different schools, lie'considered the examination might be dispensed with, and its place be taken by accrediting on the year’s work.

One effect of the syllabus has been a marked increase in co-operation between the headmaster and his staff. This is particularly noticeable at Newton Central School, where meetings are held daily to discuss the best methods of imparting knowledge to the children. At these meetings certain subjects are chosen, and a helpful discussion ensues. At the Gladstone Road School the headmaster, Mr A. J. C. Hall, who is also president of the New Zealand Educational Institute, has met his staff, and it lias been decided to take full advantage of the opportunities offered. While deploring the lack of sufficient text books, Mr Hall said this had its advantages, as it would be the means of sorting out the good teacher, who could do without them, from the poor one. Welcomed by Headmasters: After three weeks’ experience of the new primary school syllabus of instruction, leading head teachers in the North Island have no regrets at the passing of the old, more rigid one. Considered to be theoretically sound when produced, the new syllabus has lost nothing in being put into practice. The syllabus does not embrace any radical change in what is taught in the schools. 'Hie whole change really lies in the different outlook on education, and in the new method of handling the pupils. The teacher with the help and guidance of the inspector is now able to instruct his charges along lines which appeal to him. The syl abus becomes a vehicle for expression of the individual as opposed to a set course of instruction. It is evident that teachers intend to take full advantage of the opportunities for freedom. Head masters have discussed the provisions, and the feeling is that there should be no restraint on the individual teacher. The syllabus is still in its trial stage, and it will, no doubt, be some time before the teachers settle down to the new routine. New ideas will be continually picked up, and discussion of the syllabus will be of great advantage to many as. a means for exchange of ideas. In the case of French, teachers have the option of taking this or not. Many head masters have found that they have not a staff capable of giving instruction in this subject, and, con-

sequently, will not take advantage of the provisions in this respect. At all events, the majority will consider it more advisable to await the decision of the Minister of Education regarding post-primary education.

A Chinese Migration: “During the past year and a-half no less than one and a-half million people have come into Northern Manchuria from Shantung and Chihli, the two most northern provinces of China, which lie immediately to the south and south-west of Manchuria,” says Mr Charles A. Leonard, in World Dominion. “This is the greatest migratory movement of modern times; For many years Chinese having been coming to Manchuria at the rate of about 250,000 a year, but many were unwilling to move their families on account of traditional ties or for fear of bandits. But these last two years of civil war, unbearable taxation, banditry aud famine have driven many Chinese to sell out and move north. Trainloads of men, women, and children have poured into Harbin and other northern cities, whence hundreds of thousands have gone forth north, east and west, to occupy virgin soil and to start life over again. Northern Manchuria is becoming increasingly prosperous under the growing Chinese power and influence. Harbin is on a business boom, prosperous towns and cities are growing up all over this north country, ami the country people are doing well. Japan has not ceased to develop | Southern Manchuria in a marvellous 1 way, but the Chinese, who are settling there more rapidly than the Japanese, are likely to be the deciding factor. I lie resources of Manchuria have been known for years, but the greatest

asset of Northern Manchuria is her fertile soil. It is especially adapted to the growth of the soya bean, the value of which in oil and other products is more and more coming to be realised. Immense quantities of these beans are shipped annually to all parts of the