“AIMS TO GIVE BEST TEACHING THAT IS POSSIBLE.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18939, 9 December 1929, Page 11

“AIMS TO GIVE BEST TEACHING THAT IS POSSIBLE.”

ST BEDE’S COLLEGE IS VISITED BY PARTY NOW HOLDING INQUIRY. “St Bede’s College aims at giving its pupils the best education possible, and also instruction in their own faith,” said the Rev Father Gilbert, principal of St Bede’s, in the course of an address of welcome to members of the Parliamentary Education Committee, who visited the college this morning. He stated that the school had been founded in 1911 as a day school, the original building being located in Ferry Road. The school had prospered, and in 1921 the fine new building at Northcote was opened. It combined both the objects of a day and boarding school. The school had received the approval of the Education Board, and was carrying on its work in the interest of the boys of the Roman Catholic faith. The speaker apologised for the absence of Bishop Brodie, who was unable to attend owing to another engagement. “ In the course of our investigations we have seen very many fine private schools,” said the chairman of the committee, Mr W. A. Bodkin, M.P.. “ The records of the private schools, and those also of their old boys, are such that, when this tour of inspection was being considered, they clearly indicated that it was important that the schools should be visited. The committee ts on the look out for means of improvement which can be introduced into the education system of New Zealand, which will bring it into closer harmony with the modern trend of thought. “ The boys of St Bede’s College,” concluded Mr Bodkin, “ are fortunate in the facilities which have been placed at their disposal. The school has a fine tradition, and it has the committee’s best wishes for future success.” Mr Bodkin apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Hon FI. Atmore, Minister of Education. “ During our tour we have seen every phase of education,” said Mr G. C. Black, M.P. for Motueka, “ and we have found that some of the schools do not realise the necessity for greater and more intensive cultivation of the primary industries, which mean the future of New Zealand. In a number of cases not enough instruction in this matter is being given in the schools, and that is where an improvement can be brought about.” Mr Black congratulated the boys of St Bede’s College on the fine conditions which were obtainable there, and concluded by urging the pupils to be loyal to New Zealand.