RURAL EDUCATION.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 833, 3 June 1910, Page 6

RURAL EDUCATION.

SHABP CRITICISM. (Bj xeleeraDU—Press Association.! Dunedin, Juno 1. The annual meeting of the Country School Committees' Association was held this afternoon, and was largely aUeiH ; e<. The -Kev P. B. Eraser, who presided, read a verv lengthy address on the subject of primary education in the rural schools of the Dominion, ilic speaker attacked the methods adopted by the Education Department in regard to rural education. He quoted statistics to show increased expenditure by the Department on - smaller number of pupils, and a deplorable failure of proficiency examinations as compared with the former system of inspectorial testing. The -system of <radin» by teachers was condemned,and the ba°d results' of proficiency examinations were attributed to that cause. The attitude of the Department towurds the education boards was strongly condemned, Reference was also made to the increasing number of uncertificated teachers, and to the preponderance of women over men. Mr. Frascr suggested as a practical remedy for some of the evils that a number ,of the smaller schools be grouped, and that an organising and supervising inspector be appointed, such official to make monthly visits. Mr. Eraser concluded by moving that the resolutions passed last year be reaffirmed. They opposed the new system of examination and inflection; protested against the examination of countrv scholars at the centres for profieioncy co'rtifienles; and advocated n different classification for country schools as compared with town schools. 'These motions were affirmed. The Kev. P. B. Frnser was re-elected president.