AIMS IN EDUCATION.

Wairarapa Age, 8 October 1926, Page 5

AIMS IN EDUCATION.

MINISTER ON EXPERT ADVICE. EMPIRE TRADE. HASTINGS, October 7. Speaking at a citizens’ luncheon this afternoon, the Minister for Education (the Hon. R, A. Wright) said that many agreed that the education code now tended too much to be scientific and theoretical, but the experts who were best qualified held that the primary and secondary curriculums were as near perfection as possible. He had the greatest respect for the opinions of experts, but they would not oppose other people holding opinions of their own. Two committees were being appointed to consider the primary and secondary curriculums, and he thought one or more sound business nten ought to be appointed to assist the experts with their views. It was the opinion of many that the schools were not turning out the pupils as fit for business careers as they were twenty years ago. The experts held that preparation for a vocation in life was only one side of education, and ho would not say that they were not right, but it must be admitted that one of the principal uses of education was to train a boy or girl to make full use of his or her intellect when they entered business. That should not be lost sight of. Speaking of trade within the Empire, the Minister said that he was in entire accord with the Mayor that the importance of Empire trade should be taught in the schools. New Zealand’s best customer was great Britain, and countries that put up a tariff against British and New Zealand goods could not blame us if we retaliated.—(P.A.).