PUBLIC EDUCATION.

Evening Star, Issue 3620, 29 September 1874, Page 2

PUBLIC EDUCATION.

To the Editor*. Sir,— -The “Regulations df the Otago Education Board,” published in the ‘Provincial Gazette’ of 23rd September, 1874, are in some respects good. There is, of course, much that is debiteable arising out of the prescribed syllabus, and the ‘ ‘ directions and recommendations in connection with the syllabus.” differ, and so do educationists. I shall not take exception where matters of opinion are concerned. I purpose dealing with the Regulations as a literary production, and I must say that the following extracts present defects in English composition positively disgraceful : “ Ist. Singing, Drawing, and Military Drill.—Proficiency in any, cr all, of these subjects will constitute a very high recommendation.” I would ask if proficiency in one subject will constitute a very high recommendation, what degree of excellence can be assigned to proficiency in all of the subjects ? “2nd. It will not be necessary ts pass all the five subjects at one examination, but they must all be passed at two consecutive examinations at the least, at each of which two subjects at the least must be passed.” For a badly constructed and limping sentence, the above has few equals.

“3rd. In testing the knowledge of a class, the map should always b© rolled up ; for, though most useful in teaching geography, it renders all examination on the subject as good as useless." I have italicised the exceptional phrase. Why not say in English : “ renders all examination on the subject useless ?” Tbs public, sir, in the Regulations of the Ed»cation Board, require less of the pretentious and more of the geuuine.—I am, Ac., Veritas Dunedin, September 28.