THE HON G. FOWLDS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9212, 15 April 1908, Page 1

THE HON G. FOWLDS.

I MINISTER OF. EDUCATION IN CJEERISTCHURCIL AN INTERVIEW. CARE OF THE WEAK-MINDED. The HonG. Fowlds, Minister of Education, arrived in Christchiirch by the second express from the south yesterday, and was interviewed by a" Lyttelton Times " representative. He stated that the most interesting episode in his southern tour was hie visit that day to the Otekaike Estate. The Government was establishing a new institution in the form of a school or home for children of weak intellect, those who, although capable of being trained to take care of themselves and to earn their own livings, were not sufficiently bright to benefit by the tuition in ordinary schools. The De^ partmenthad taken the homesteaa and about 390 acres of ,land, which were beautifully situated. With a comparatively small expenditure the place i could be made to accommodate a good number of children. The Director, Mr Benstead, and his wife were already in possession; repairs were being pro-; ceeded with, and he expected that the placo would be ready within, the next few weeks. TE ORANGA HOME. Mr Fowlds said that he would visit Te Oranga Home to-day, and certain minor matters of administration would be rectified at once. The Department would expect that in future the regulations would be strictly adhered to. Before the Commission sat, arrangements were in train for an additional building to facilitate classification, and, as he had always stated, the necessity for severe punishment would thus be obviated. The regulations regarding all punishments would probably be revised. The question of indeterminate sentences was one of policy, on which he could not express an opinion till the Cabinet had considered it.

OTAGO CONSUMPTION SANATORIUM. The Minister said he had met a deputation on the subject of the estabpshnient of a Consumption Sanatorium in Ota go, and had told the deputation that he expected Otago to follow the example set in other provinces in making local provision for such institutions. Some provision had already been made in Otago, and he had no doubt that his views would be given effect to. CENTRAL MENTAL HOSPITAL. The scheme for establishing a central mental hospital for the dominion was not ? Mr Fowlds said, progressing very rapidly. There was great difficulty in selecting, a site, comfortable and other--1 wise convenient for such an institution, but the Grown lands in the interior of the North Island were being looked over with a view to selecting a suitable location. RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS. Regarding the research scholarships, the Minister said that nothing would be finally decided upon until the suggestions from all the science professors in th c colleges had been received. Mr G. Hogben, Inspector-General of Schools, had conferred with the Dunedin professors, was conferring with those in Wellington, iand would meet those in Auckland next week. When, all th c information available had been acquired, particulars and regulations would be gazetted. The selection of candidates would be in the hands of a Board, composed of the. professors, actr ing with Mr Hogben. UNIFORMITY OF SCHOOL BOOKS. Mr Fowlds said that he had not yet received the reports of the various

' Education Boards on the question of ! uniform school books but expected that on his return to Wellington they would be awaiting him. Mr Fowlds will be a busy man in Christchurch this morning. Several deputations will wait upon him, one in connection with the furnishing and playground at the Girls' High School. He has also been invited to inspect the Technical College at 11 a.m., and give a short address to the pupils there.