EDUCATION

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1639, 4 January 1906, Page 3

EDUCATION

ADYIOE TO P ABE NTS. At the break-up, of the Waipawa school, Mr 0. Whittington, the new member of the Education Board, made a very interesting speech, during which he said I would try to impress upon the parents the necessity of allowing their children to remain at school until they have passed through the higher standards. They should remember that the words of Goldsmith: — “ Eor just experience tells in every soil, That those who think must govern those who toil ” are just as applicable to-day*.'as when they were written,‘aud that unless they wish their children to hewers of wood .and drawers of water they must equip them for the battle of life by giving them a sound education. It does not entail much hardship, even on the poorest in this colony, to keep their children at school a year or two longer I than some consider necessary, but the effects upon' their after-life are incalculable. Some think that when a boy can read and write and do a few simple sums it is time he was earning his living, and the first opportunity that presents itself at good wages is eagerly seized. No doubt it is a strong temptation to some, especially to those who are struggling, to see their children become wage earners, but what is the result ? Under ordinary circumstances the child is father of the man, and unless he possesses exceptional ability he will remain a toiler until he dies. Such children cannot aspire [to anything better, and the higher walks of life, which are better remunerated are closed doors to thorn. In this colony, where a liberal education is to be had

for the asking, such things should not be. I appeal to those who, for want of a hotter designation are terped the working classes, to soe tha,t their children benefit by the liberal education being bestowed Upon [them, a blessing that is easily carried throughout life and which will onablfj them to become useful, intelligent and honorable citizens. We somotintos hoar comparisons drawn between ;the rich | and the poor. Fortune smiles' on some and frowns on others. But I would impress upon the parents of: children attending this school that learning is better than riches. An educated man though poor is more than the peer of the illiterate millionaire. Ipthe words of Lowell — . :

King of two hands, he does his part In every useful toil and art, A heritago, it seems to me _ A King might wish to hold in fee Even from a mercenary point of view education pays. The rich recognise this and seo that their children receive a good education. If it it necessary for them, how much more so is it for the sons of tho poor, who . have to go out into the world alone, and unaided, to carve out their own fortunes ?