The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JANUARY 30, 1901. EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 25, 30 January 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JANUARY 30, 1901. EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.

A telegram received last night from Wellington indicates that the Education Conference is taking up some subjects of special importance to the general public, as well as to the teachers. It was made clear that it is the intention next session to raise the compulsory school age to 14. The proposal will meet with much objection, as parents who have struggled hard to keep their children in regular attendance up to the age that is now compulsory will regard it as a hardship that they must keep the children at school for a further period than is necessary to fit them for life’s battles. A move in. the right direction is that of dealing with the school syllabus: in other words, to make some attempt to lessen the system of Cram that must exist under present conditions. It is proposed to deal with the subjects of history, geography, and arithmetic. It is very doubtful whether it is wise to lessen the course of instruction in either geography or arithmetic, which may be classed as among the most important subjects that can be taught, but it is a hopeful sign that an attempt is being made to deal with the system of cram, and no doubt a satisfactory re-arrangement can be decided upon. t

A letter from “ Another Resident ” of Gisborne will appear in to-morrow’s issue. A cablegram received from London last night states that the Inversk has sailed for Otago.

A number «of first-class horses will be offered for sale by Messrs Wyllie and Mason on Friday next on account of Mr E. Thompson, of Waihora.

On Saturday the following hours will be observed at. all telegraph offices in the colony : —Open from 8 to 10 in the morning, and 7 to 8 in the evening. “ They can be seated front Grey street to Peel street,” said Cr Joyce at last night’s meeting w'lten the point was raised as to whether there would be sufficient room at the belfry for Saturday’s memorial service.

In regard to-the recent matriculation examination it may be pointed out that the Gisborne District High School secured a pleasing record. Ten pupils went up for the examination, and all were succesful, nine out of the number having only been two years at the matriculation course. It is a well-known fact that the examination tests are now severer than they were a few years ago, and therefore the result is the more creditable to the school and to the pupils. The result should be very encouraging to those pupils • who are turdily making their way forward. At the meeting of the Borough Council last night Crs Johnston and Lewis raised the point as to whether some provision could not be made so that if the memorial services were held indoors on Saturday ladies would not be debarred from attending by the crush. Cr Lewis thought this might be obviated by a military guard at the doors, while Cr Johnston-suggested a system of reserved seat tickets. Councillors objected to the reserving of seats, as those who came first could not be refused admission, to make room for holders of such tickets.- It was agreed that if the service wero held indoors the military should assist in regulating the crowd at tho doors so that ladies would have every facility given them to gain admission, and if the service is held outside they are to be given preference in regard to the seats.