SCHOOL ORATIONS.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 7920, 18 August 1917, Page 4 (Supplement)

SCHOOL ORATIONS.

Educators throughout the United States evidently realise that they would be doing less than their full duty it they did not urge that pre-eminence be given to the causes and purpose of the war in all orations prepared for school functions. It so happened that the school year terminated shortly after America had made and announced her momentous decision to enter the war, and the Government was quick to take cognisance of the educational influence of the thousands of students who wore about to finish their school work and take up the more practical work of life. Secretary Franklin K. Lane, of the Department of the Interior, endeavoured to assist students and teachers by suggesting a long list of subjects upon whi h appropriate orations could be based. The list covered a wide range of subjects, thus assuring adequate variety. Among the topics suggested were:—“Belgian’s Wrongs,” “Specialisation of Industry in War Times,” “ Use of Photograph.? in War,” “Wealth of the United States,” “Is tho Submarine a Justifiable Instrument -i War for any Other Purpose Than Naval Defence?” “War Bread —How Made,” “ Universal Military Service,” “Autocracy v. Democracy,” “The Red Cross —Its History and Work,” “Women and the War,” “Aviation,” “Military Training in Public Schools,” and “The International League for Peace.” It will be readily understood that the study and investigation necessary to the preparation of the orations must have proved of inestimable value to the students in fixing their ideas of the aims of their country in the world sVuggla and of the causes which led to the great decision. The students themselves also would exert a considerable educational influence upon their parents and their friends, the result being to bring about a better understanding of the great event. The movement, it may be- added, was based on the sound principle that the more the people know about the war, the greater will be their enthusiasm to carry it on to a successful finish. in thus matter. New Zealand has evidently something to learn from the Great Republic. Our educational authorities might begin by arranging that in all our schools, colleges, and universities, students should be selected to prepare •appropriate patriotic orations for delivery at this year’s prize-giving functions.