EDUCATION CLASSES

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16418, 11 January 1919, Page 9

EDUCATION CLASSES

GOOD WORK ON TRANSPORT. (special to "the press.") AUCKLAND, January 10. "I cannot speak too highly of the educational work carried out by Sergeants Monzies and Johnson during tho voyage," said Lieut.-Colonel Colquhoun, D.5.0., Officer-in-charge of the draft of soldiers which reached Auckland by the Maunganui He was referring to classes in osonomics, steam engineering, book-keeping, shorthand, and general commercial subjects conducted by theso two non-commissioned officers on the voyago from England. He said he regarded this as one of tho features of the voyage, and of immense benefit to many men who were seeking information on subjects which would assist ■ohem on their return to civil life. Ho said that excellent work was being done by Lioutenant-Colonol Stowart, who is in charge of tho educational schemo started in London for vocational training of New Zealand soldiens. The ship carried a library containing many technical works which had been suppliod in London, but it was neither large enough nor sufficiently extensive for the wide range of subjects on which soldiers made inquiries. These subjects included engineering in all its branches, building and carpentry,, scientific farming, beekeeping and fruitgrowing suitable to New Zoaland requirements, as well as elemontary economics. Tho work of tho classes could easily have embraced all those subjects had instructors been available, for the men Bad a keen desire for such instruction, an'd Sergeant Menzies had chargo of the classes, and devoted considerable time and ability to "the work. Sergeant Johnson, who was Y.M.C.A. representative on the ship, lecturcd on economics, and stimulated many interesting debates among the men. After leaving Panama an essay competition was held, the subject' being, "Impressions of tho Panama Canal." There were a .great crmr-etitors, the winner being Private Percival, of Wanpanui.