TEACHERS' CAMP.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2120, 11 April 1914, Page 14

TEACHERS' CAMP.

The teachors' physical insrntction camp was struck on Thursday. Last week's ideal conditions ha.d given place to wild anu stormy weather, which brought down one or two of the tents and necessitated tho greater part of the drill being carried out under cover in tie permanent buildings at the park, ■ The Minister of Education, the H<?n. Jas. Alleiij visited tho camp, and after witnessing several sections of drill ■under Inspector Johnson, addressed the teachers prosent, pointing out the reasons for inaugurating such camps ot teachers as the prosent. Incidentally, ho said., such camps were valuable in bringing bodies of teachers toegther whero they tnay learn to know ono another better and exchange ideas', a remark which appeared to iind favour . with hia audience. Personally, tho Minister said, ho had somo regrets at the practical disbandment of the junior cadets, but with all its good points that system made no provision for tho girls whom ths country could not afford to neglect. Just now; for reasons beyond the Department's control, tho staff of instruction was, short-handed, but ho hoped to remedy tho deficiency as soon as possible, The remark that Mr. Boyd Gfarliek had under him an efficient and enthusiastic body of instructors was applauded by the teachefs, but tho Minister pointed out that however good those may bo the success of the schemo depended on the teachers thomselves, afid it was gratifying and a hopeful sign that when teachers learned, as ,they did in sue-it camps, what the schemo realy was and what it implied, they entered into it with spirit and goodwill. At the conclusion of the address, one or two questions were asked and an- : swered, and then Mr. Erskine, on behalf of the teachers present, thanked the Minister for his address, and said that he felt sure that teachers, on returfting to their schools, would do their utmost to make tho schemo a success. He then called for three cheers for the Minister, and these- were heartily given. Inspector Fleming was also in camp for the second time, remaining tkrougliout the morning.