“SPLENDID COUNTRY," SAYS MISS STREET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18785, 14 June 1929, Page 9

“SPLENDID COUNTRY," SAYS MISS STREET.

IS IMPRESSED BY EDUCATION SYSTEM OF NEW ZEALAND.

“I think New Zealand is a splendid country," said Miss Jeannje Street in an interview to-day. Miss Street, who is conducting a Christian Endeavour campaign, has been in New Zealand about two months, the greater part of , which has been spent in the North Island. “I have been writing to young people and urging them to come out here and help in the making of this country. Not that the people need much helping,” Miss Street continued, “but there is still plenty of room for expanThe education system has impressed Miss Street, though she thinks that, while a vast amount of care is expended on the bodies and minds of the children, not enough attention is given them spiritually.

“I have been greatly impressed by the teachers. They all are such fine thinkers and seem to be doing excellent ' work in the schools, though the buildings and equipment are not so solid or elaborate as in England. Among mentally deficient children in England a great work is being done in special schools. Through years of patient training wonderful results are being achieved, and many apparently hopeless children are being made into decent, useful citizens. It is very taxing to teach mentally deficient children, great patience being needed to cope with ugly habits and ugly moods. The essential things are a happy atmosphere, encouragement and a training at handwork. In a poor, crowded home, the deficient child is often regarded as a nuisance and is made to feel it. In the special school, patience and encouragement aid its development."