RETURN FROM ABROAD

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 107, 30 January 1935, Page 5

RETURN FROM ABROAD

Impressions of Miss V. M. Greig EDUCATION IN ENGLAND Brimful of ideas and information from abroad. Miss V. M. Greig, principal of Wellington Girls' College, has returned from a world tour, embracing visits to the Far East. England, the Continent, Palestine, Egypt and Canada. ■While in England, site noticed that there was a tremendous revival of the study of arts and crafts. Much attention was being paid to dramatic art and to music, which were being taught in all the schools. Even carpentry was being taught to girls, it being found that even if a girl did not want to earn her living at this-trade, she could at least be a money-saver in the home by doing carpentering jobs herself. Languages, Miss Greig added, were being taught everywhere, especially Spanish. German had once again taken its place on school curricula, and French was found particularly useful. The influence of the League of Nations was most marked in the schools, the children being taught the utter folly and uselessness of war. So strong was the influence of the League of Nations Union, Miss Greig said, that some persons doubted whether many of the children would go to war should they be called upon to do so at some future date. Of course, she added, all had to realise the need for adequate defence of one’s country. Speaking of tlie various professions, Miss Greig remarked that there was

the-same overcrowding in England as existed in New Zealand. In England, however, there was much more room for specialisation than there was in New Zealand. In her opinion, New Zealand was. not prepared to pay for brains, the result being that tlie country was losing its best men, who found that they could get better and more lucrative positions at home. She also added that, New Zealand frequently tilled billets with men from England, when they could easily be filled by New Zealanders.

Miss Greig said the pursuit of knowledge in the Old Country was amazing. Lectures on all sorts of subjects, many of them free, were given and were well patronised. Added to that, the radio was utilised greatly for education, on which it had a wonderful influence. Educr/don, she added, was valued greatly in England, where the free system is not so general as it is in New Zealand. “I think,” she commented, “that. too. much is given for nothing here.” In England, a great deal of time was given to technical education, and girls were very interested in learning fruit culture and horticulture. In Miss Greig’s opinion there was a field for both those studies in the Dominion. More time was given to education in England, and there was not the rush there is in New Zealand. One took much longer in preparing for examinations such as matriculation.

Speaking of her visit to Palestine, Miss Greig remarked that the Jews were returning there in tens of thousands. It was, she said, one of the most wonderful places visited during her tour, and she firmly believed that in years to come Jerusalem would be greater than ever. The British had worked wonders there. In Japan, Miss Greig was struck with the manner in which education was being made a fetish of by the people. Much more, she concluded, coujd be said about, education in various places, but when one returned from a long trip it took some time to sort out all one’s thoughts. One thing, however, that she did want to stress was the high esteem in which New Zealand and New Zealanders were held in England, where at no.time did she ever hear a disparaging remark either about the Dominion or its people. At (he same time, she considered that New Zealand needed more publicity in the Homeland.

“HOMEWOOD” GARDEN PARTY

Few garden owners are so generous in the pleasure they give to others as Mr. B. Sutherland, the owner of the lovely grounds of ’‘Homewood.” Ka-i-ori. On many Saturdays during past summers the gates have been thrown open to the public in th einterests of deserving causes.’ On Saturday next a garden party will lie held at “Homewood” to raise funds for the expenses that will be incurred by the Port Nicholson Band on its visit to Timaru. where it will compete in tlie championship contest next month. The band has rendered many services to the city and its charities during recent months, and it is hoped that those who have enjqj-gil its music will take tliiS/Opportunity of showing their appreciation of its efforts. The grounds will be open from 2 to 5.30 pan., and from 0.30 to 10 p.m., and after dark the illuminations will be exquisite. The glow-worn grotto will be at its best then, too. Entertainments will also be provided, the band wjlf feature a demonstration of tlie contest quickstep, and there will be stalls and side-shows.

Asparagus Rarebit. Melt .1. tablespoon of butler, add 1 tablespoon of flour and mix well. Place in a double boiler, then add i cup milk and-cook until thick, constantly stirring. Add 1 cup grated cheese, 1 tablespoon tomato sauce, 4 teaspoon salt and 1-8 teaspoon pepper. Stir until the cheese lias melted, then add 2 cups of asparagus which has been cut into short lengths and thoroughly heated. Serve on triangles of hot buttered toast. This makes a delicious supper savoury.

Corsage Sprays or Orchids, Roses, Violets. Debutantes’ Posies.—Miss Murray, 36 Willis St. Phone 40-541.— Advt.