PHYSICAL DRILL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 1 November 1912, Page 8

PHYSICAL DRILL.

SCHEME FOR ALL PRIMARY

SCHOOLS

MILITARY EXERCISES OPTIONAL

(By Telegraph.—special to "Chronicle."; WELLINGTON, October 30. Legislative machinery to give effect to the Government's scheme for the physical training of children at primary schools is contained in the Education Amendment Bill, introduced in the Houso of Representatives this evening. Tho Bill was read a second time pro forma and referred to tho Education Committee.

The Bill provides that physical training is to be compulsory for all boys and girls in attendance at primary schools. A director of physical training and inspectors and teaches aro to bo appointed by tho Governor. They will be under the control of the Minister of Edu cation. Authority is provided for the director and tho inspectors of physical training to visit all public schools for tho purpose of inspecting and assisting tho physical training given in them and of reporting upon it. A copy of each report will be sent to the board of education .concerned. Provisions also raado for tho inspection of physical training in-private schools at which tho pupils are over five and under fouiv teen years oi ago. In the annual report on the progress , and condition of education in New Zealand, the Minister in to report upon the efficiency of the physical training given in tho public schools.

Military training an public schools is no longer to be compulsory,. but there is a clause in the Bill that in any public school whero there is a, qualified instructor, provision may he made in accordf'.nco with regulations for the instruction in military drill of boys between the user, of twel.vo and fourteen years. The drill will be subject to inspection by an officer appointed by the Commandant of tho Defence Forces.

By another clause in the Bill, authority is given to any medical inspector of schools at all reasonable times to enter into or upon any public school building and examine and notify,the parents or guardians of any such defect from which, in his opinion, tho child may be suffering. %