SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11686, 1 May 1916, Page 3

SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

THE MINISTER'S CRITICISMS, REPORT TO BE OBTAINED. [Pek Press Association.] HAMILTON, April 29. Replying to a deputation at Hamilton, and! referring to the work done by the high schools, the Minister of Education .-aid that, what lie had found at some high .schools with regard to knowledge and training impelled him to take ;»teps to obtain a. full report dealing with certain subjects, which he had found were not receiving that attention in some schools that their importance warranted. In tho matter of reading, writing and English it would appear that tho pupils made very little progress, while- pupils after leaving primary schools had to some extent actually gone back in certain instances, lie had been surprised to find at one high school ho had visited that, although provision and equipment had been provided for rural courses and domestic science, not one pupil was taking advantage of these courses. The bias given was more in the direction of commercial and professional callings. As soon as tho director, Dr Anderson, was freed from certain work, he would get him to visit the schools of the Dominion and make a special report as to tho nature and value of the work being done. School work, added tho Minister, is not to be judged solely by cramming and passing certain, examinations.

Mr Han an said that he was impelled to this course not only from personal observations and inquiries, but also after having received the opinions of gentlemen versed l in such matters who had accompanied him on the visit he had made to various schools. The Minister added that, having regard for the amount the country was expending on high schools, and what actually obtained, ho felt that the present stato of affairs could not continue.