THE MOTHER TONGUE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2816, 6 July 1916, Page 6

THE MOTHER TONGUE

ITS PLACE IN THE SCHOOLS. The following question was addressed to the Minister of Education by Mr.'.ll. A. Wright, member/ for Wellington Suburbs:—"Whether lie does not think the time spent by a number of pupils attending high schools in studying foreign languages amounts, so far as they are concerned, to the acquisition of a smattering, and that their time could bo -more wisely aud beneficially spent in developing the ability to express -themselves in clear logical English, and by obtaining a better' knowledge and appreciation of what is oxqnisito. in English literature?" ; . The Hon. Mr. Han an (Minister of Education) replied: "As the honourable mera"l>er may liave gathered'-froni remarks of mine that have from time to time appeared in the public prints, I have a strong .personal .conviction of , the importance of stressing, the study of the mothcr-tonguo in both tho primary and the secondary schools of the Dominion, and it is my strongest wish to improve it. In the ■ existing regulations applicable to free-place holders in secondary schools, English is at present a compulsory subjoct, to which a period of from three to six hours -weekly is required to bo'' givcii throughout the' course. A foreign language is -not compafe&ry, but is generally taken, and for those preparing for a professional career must bo regarded as essential. Apart from other reasons, the mothcr-tonguo will thus lie better -understood. I regret to have to say, however, that many 6pen<l on profitless study of a dead languago precious time that would" bo better-spent otherwise. For this stato of thiugs tho wishes of parents themselves are very largelv responsible; it is not duo to any wish of -the Education Department that tliis subject should be so widely taken."