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Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16165, 20 March 1918, Page 5

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS." Sir, —That open-air schools will be. one of the important reforms of tho near I future seems most certain, because of the immense saneness of the idea. That there will be the usual army of objectors crying <; Impossible," is also certain. These are the sure heralds of every reform. It is, indeed, a point of great importance that you have so well brought before the public of late in your columns. I Is it not the duty of parents to mves- ! tigate into the evil conditions existing in many of our schools through bad 6eatj ing and overcrowding? In the hea,ltn . of the voung people of to-day lies the ! future of New Zealand. Those tvho I have the "pursestrings" of tho JJo- ' minion in their hands do ill to draw : them tightly where education is con- ; cernod : it is a serious maladjustment or 1 the public wealth. Our children should . come first, and not ourselves. Jwnica- ' tion is compulsory, and very rightly so. Then lot parents rise up and refuse to send their children t-o schools where the conditions are such that the health w ul be impaired. On their shoulders is the responsibility: if parents love their little ones, lot them overcome their lethargy, smeak now in the coming time, and dertand that which is the country s right. If we cau have open-air schools, our vounc people will become strong and virile? '"Wt; rannot afford to, spend monev just now on this reform, ' say the mental laggards. 15ut it is just now : that it is so greatly needed, lor hundreds of the brightest and best of our young men have been killed in this

dreadful war, and just because of this is the urgent need to bring on a strong and virile manhood and -womanhood. If the need is felt, tho difficulties will soon | be overcome. Other reforms, too, we shall need in our educational work, for wo are far behind a country like America in our educational interest. In connexion with the New Zealand branch of the "Theosophical Educational Trust," founded by Mrs Annie Besant for the purpose not of proselytising, but of aiding in the betterment of conditions for the young, the editor of "Theosophy in New Zealand" says that until the Schools are made suitable, the Thoosophists will look outside the State schools for what they need. Happiness is the birthright of every child. The care of childhood is a sacred trust, and in tho name of love we are r,illcd to make better and happier conditions for our little ones. Each one who lifts up his voice for reform in education is a benefactor of the human race, and on liim will rest the blessing of the unseen Guardian- of Humanity.—Yours, etc., E. HUNT, President, Theosophical Society, Christchurch. March 16th, 1918.