NEW ZEALAND'S GREAT MEN

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11512, 19 February 1903, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND'S GREAT MEN

THE PERPETUATION OF THEIR

MEMORIES,

Mr Lancelot Watson, schoolmaster at Kirwee, addressed the following letter to the Board of Education, and it was read at; yesterday's meeting: —

"I venture to approach you on the question of the more effective perpetuation of the memories of the roble men and great statesmen anoi others who have laid lbs foundations of our best institutions, set examples of true and unselfish patriotism, and have made> our country what it is. At the present time I refer particularly to the late Hon. W. Rolleston, but in the same connection others might readily be mentioned, such as the late Sir George Grey. Even from us, who; have had personal acquaintance with euch men, their memories are apt to fade; how much more from those who have ' never known them? I refer to the children at present attending, and those of the future who will attend, our primary schools. Ah teachers we endeavour to inculcate the truest principles of patriotism, and set before our scholars high ideals of life; but there are severe limitations to our powers in that direction. Our school walls are mainly decorated with maps that in themselves mean little or nothing to our pupils. How much better it would be if our echool walls were a gallery of the great and good, who have given their lives to tbeir country. I have long felt the need in this direction, and when I have endejivoured to secure suitable prints of well-known men, have not been able. Some time ago I made great efforts to secure a suitable print of Sir George Grey for framing for my school, but was not able. I desire, therefore, to bring und«r your notice what a good thing it would be if the Board of Education would undertake to provide, when so desired, suitable prints, or engravings, or enlarged photographs, at cost price {and that not to be high), of those who have done siioh a large share in the making of our country. In that respect I think Sir George Grey antt the Hon. W. Rollerton stand out prominent. Hoping you will be able to render assistance in this matter, and apologising for the length of the letter. I am etc.. Lancelot Watson.* , The Chairman (Mr C. A. C. Hardy, M.h.R.)> said he had not the slightest doubt that something should be done in the cVirectiqn indicated in the letter, and that it would be wise to do so. Mr Buddo also agreed with the suggestion, although he pointed out that; it was contrary to the Board's usual course. He Eucgested that the scheme should take in a Vider area. He moved—" That the Board views with favour the efforts ot headmasters to perpetuate the memory by suitable drawing and prints, of .eminent colonists who have been closely associated with the progress of the colony and the best interests of education." He added that there was a lamentable ignorance of tlie history of New Zealand and of its prominent men. Mr Adams seconded the motion, and eaid that something of a similar character was in existence in the United States, although the perpetuation of the memories of great Americans had resulted in the inculcation of an anti-British feeling amongst the pupils. Mr Opie thought the scheme should deal with the whole of the colony, and intimated his intention to move at a future date in the matter.

The motion was agreed to,