MATAMATA NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18661, 13 June 1932, Page 11

MATAMATA NOTES.

MANUAL TRAINING. UTILITY AND CULTURE SERVED. (By “The Loiterer.”) Parents of the Matamata and the Putaruru districts are being somewhat exercised in their minds just now on account of marked difference of opinion expressed in regard to the value of manual training classes, whereat scholars are taught the rudiment of craftsmanship, the use of tools and the properties of materials. Opponents of the system contend that ''because a boy does not learn sufficient at such classes to enable him to get work outside on the strength of his training his time and the expense arc therefore wasted. v It is perhaps, unfortunate for those averse to the ciasses that the Gover-nor-General, in a irecent speech in Auckland, ventured the opinion that training in the arts and crafts was of considerable value, and that this was recognised by some of the very best schools in the Empire, utilitarian and cultural values' bein* both present in manual training. That Lord Bledislle was fully warranted in his comments was substantiated by the references and authorities quoted, but even those not having access to his sources.,of information may get a good enough guide by observation around themThe exhibits of school craftsmanship at the Waikato Winter Show, and other fixtures, give clear proof that the pupils do learn more than “a little sewing.” Even if the tuition is not intense enough to be of use in the obtaining of work, it must still have a practical value, for no boy who hashed even an elementary training in the use of tools will be quite so awkward in effecting home repairs as are many householders to-day who had not the advantage of such -instruction in their younger -days. Ability to use tools never comes amiss, even if the degree of expertness is not high; it is-no load to carry, but may be of lifelong service, and the foundation once laid can always be added to as occasion serves -or need arises. The Exchange Problem.

What is regarded as an “inspired” assault upon the policy of a free exchange, with the rehashing of all the familiar arguments for that view, is looked upon by some of the producers in the Matamata district with some alarm. Their side .to the question seems to be something like this. By the sale of -exports overseas funds are built up, mainly in London. Naturally, these funds belong to those who sold the produce.' If importers in New Zealand or elsewhere are prepared to pay a premium for those funds, then likewise the premium also belongs to the sellers of the produce, the New Zealand exporters. The two things, the principal and the premium, go together, or should do, according to the view of local farmers. A famous Irish King of- Tara’s Halls was once asked to decide, the rights in regard to a manuscript copy of a book. He judged that as'“to every cow its calfy” so to every author the copyright Of his own book.- The exporters think they have the “copyright" in respect of exchanges.- When it is pointed out that some good results, whatever the evils or Injustices may be, from the present arrangement 'Of the pooling of funds, one is met with some such reply as this: “Yes, admitted, but you know there were at. one time highwaymen who did some good by taking from the rich and giving to the poor. Yet that practice was dishonest and unjust, and they hanged the highwaymen in those

days." The similar praotlce now is dishonest, and decidedly more unjust than the procedure of highwaymen of old, inasmuoh as the benefit is being taken from the poor to give to the not-so-poor often enough. Whatever may be the better course to pursue, it is already apparent that if the control is not lifted there will he “something doing.”