HIGH SCHOOLS REFORM

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3140, 19 July 1917, Page 6

HIGH SCHOOLS REFORM

COURSES OF INSTRUCTION. Referring to the new regulations providing for courses of instruction for freeplace pupils in high schools, the Minister of Education informed a reporter yesterday that history and civics are made compulsory in view of their great importance as well as their special interest in connection with the present and future of our civic and national life and with the welfare of the Empire as a whole.. It was prescribed in the new regulations that the course of history must cover tho history of the British Empire in outline and the rights and duties of citizens treated in such a way as to develop a sense* of responsibility with regard to social service. It was hoped thus to direct tho thoughts of boys and girls in thei? teens to the ideal that all their povrers and capacities ■ were given by nature- and developed by the education which the State provided, and should not be regarded merely as talents used for personal benefit. On the contrary, it should be seen that the best reward and promotion for any service which a person was able to render should be an opportunity for service involving a greater trust and a power for helpfulness and social progress. . It was-also prescribed that the teaching of civics should deal with the very olementary principles of economics which would be developed at a later stage in the senior free-place course. A citizen of the present day should follow intelligently the economic.questions which constantly affected his welfare and on which as an "elector he was called upon to judge. "It is not expected," continued the Minister, "that the senior pupils in the secondary schools shall study economics in the ordinary sense, but they could learn much that: would enable them to follow intelligently questions of economics which may be presented to them by experts through the medium of the Press or by Iwoks, or through following political questions of tho day as ordinary citizens."

Mr. A. Varney, who has been abroad on behalf of the Y.M.C.A. and who has been in close touch with the New Zealand soldiers in France and in England, will address a mothers' meeting, to bo held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall at 3 p.m. to-morrow. It is anticipated that Mr. Varney will have many interesting items to tell mothers as a. result of his travels. Tho chair will be occupied by the Mayoress.

The FTRST "Republic" Truck over made is "on the job" every day. "The "Republic" Internal Gear Drive makes Solid' Tyres practicable. We rc- :■ ■,il' , "l -tlieiu. You can pull trailers until the engine is "stailcd" and not damage the ' lie- ,■<'•■(■ i ■'.•.•rr.a.l -tlfur Drive A.\'le. There are more than 700 "Republic" Service Stations ready to give real service. Some, day" you will buy a "Republic'" Truck. AVhy not now? ■ The "Republic" Internal Gear Drive has been known to run .10.000 miles without lubrication and showed no damage. Don't be your own competitor. Buy a "Itcpublic" Truck. It is impossible to make a better or stronger front, axle than the "Republic." INGLIS BHOS. AND'CO., LTD., Distributors, 24-30 Harris Streot, Wellington.—Advt.