PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

White Ribbon, Volume 12, Issue 144, 15 May 1907, Page 9

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

A New Government Journal.

For some time past great dissatisfaction lias been expressed by parents concerning the expense involved in the frequent changing of public school lesson books. At the same time, there has been a desire among teachers for more variety in reading lessons than any ordinary text book could furnish. The Education Department is endeavouring to meet both these wants in its School Journal, which has first seen the light in this present month. The Journal is issued in three parts one for Standards I. and 11., one for Standards 111. and IV., and the third for V. and VI. In issuing this little official magazine, the Department has undertaken no light task, seeing that it is proposed to embody in its pages not only the staple reading matter for our Government schools, but the greater part of their geography and also their history —that unfortunate and discredited subject which has been almost eliminated from the syllabus in the changes of late years. We are glad, however, to see that the first issue promises to fulfil these ends in the best manner possible. The magazine is small, hut packed with carefully graded original matter of a sort to interest young New Zealanders alike in their work and in their country. The publication is of distinct merit throughout. There is, however, one grave omission in our opinion—an omission which we believe beyond the editorial scope as at presen* defined. Early this year a deputation from the W.C.T.U. waited on the Minister of Education to reiterate the demand for scientific temperance instruction. The Unions need not lie reminded of the excellent national work in this connection in all American schools (a consequence of the life-work of Mrs Mary Hunt), nor can they he ignorant of the good results among America’s younger citizens. New Zealand cannot afford to neglect so powerful a factor in moulding her destiny. It was understood that the matter would he given prompt conside--lat ion, hut the School Journal shows no sign of having received instructions as to temperance teaching. If Parliamentary sanction is necessary before this can be done, the questioc should come up without delay. This done, the Journal will hid fair to I ecome a power in the land. J.M.