THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9212, 15 April 1908, Page 3

THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION.

HIS VISIT TO CHRISTCHURCH. A DAY'STWORK. The Hon G. Fowlds spent a fairly busy day in Christ-church to-day. In the morning accompanied by Mr C. M. Gray, M.P., lie drove down to the Technical College, in Barbadoes Street, where he was met by Dr Hight (chairman of the Board of Managers), Mr J. H. Howell (director) and members of the Board. He was taken over the College, and was shown all the departments, passing from girls who are attending the cookery classes to those in the typewriting room, the sewing room, and the rooms where instruction is given in other branches of education. The tour concluded with a visit to the large room where boys are taught carpentry. There were a number- or boys at work under an instructor at the time, and the Minister was able to see the methods under which the class is -conducted. All the other pupils were taken into that room, and there Mr Fowlds gave them a short address. He said that he was very pleased to have an opportunity to visit the College, and to see so many children taking advantage of the special instruction provided. The College evidently was well equipped with material, appliances and teachers. For completeness and compactness it was the best technical school in New Zealand. He impressed upon the children the importance of an all-round, general education, as well as specialisation. Many children, he said, had had good inst ™ ction in the primary schools, and they should attend well to their general education, bo that they conld take /full advantage of their special education. The response to the Governments efforts in that respect had been very satisfactory. ~.-e children were afforded splendid opportunities to do credit to themselves and to the dominion. They should not be backward on their part. - Mr Howell thanked Mr Fowlds for attending and for his encouraging remarks to the children.