THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1919. EDUCATION.

Wairarapa Age, 18 December 1919, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1919. EDUCATION.

The question of education lias very properly been given a prominent place in the New Zealand elections. In every electorate the candidates havo been asked to make their views clear on the question of educational reform, and in the majority of cases those aspiring for political honours havo promised to uso their utmost endeavours to bring about a bettor condition of affairs than at present exists. No person who has given the matter closo consideration will deny that the system under which education has been imparted in recent years has been sadly defective. The lack of co-ordination is particularly apparent, and the inducements offered to brainy young men to enter the toaching profession are not what they should be in a prosperous and progressive community. The first duty of tho State is to provido efficient teachers. In order to do this, adequate salaries must be offerod, and a proper system of training be introduced. Then the system of promotion and appointment must be placed upon a more satisfactory footing. Once the teaching staff is assured, the method of imparting instruction must be revised, and a system of selection, or classification of pupils, provided. It is absurd to say that tho best results can be obtained by putting every scholar through the same course of training in the higher standards. Each child haa his own special aptitude and environment, and should be encouraged to pursue those otudies for which, in the elementary stages of his education, he has shown tho greatest proficiency. By this means we should secure for our own professions and handicrafts the best talent that was available. We should not have square pegs in round holes, as we have at present, and the waste of human energy that is apparent in every avenue of employment. We must havo expert teachers for every branch of education. By this means alone can we Becure tho best results. Then, as regards administration, there must be a closer cooperation between the central body and the administrative bodies. Education Boards should either be abolished entirely or bo given greater powers than they at present possess. Tho functions of School Committeos should be enlarged, and they should bo given a larger voice in tho control of buildings and tho provision of sito§. There should be some sort of standardisation of school buildings, and tho equipment should bo improved. Greater attention should be devoted to playing-grounds, and tho medical inspection of children should be followed up by systematic treatment. In tho matter of school-books, something like uniformity should be brought about, and the books should bo provided free, and placed under the control of tho School Committees. These aro a few of the reforms that appear to be essential at the moment, and the Legislative cannot proceed too expeditiously in giving expression to the undoubted will of the people in this important sphere of our social life. Wo should always remember that tho future of any nation depends upon the education of its children.