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Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1918, Page 2

The West-land Chamber of Commerce 01l Tuesday discussed the education question as arising out of the circular issued by the Teachers’ Institute The circular was very vague as to the exteut it was desired to go, and before adopting the course suggested blindly, it was desired to look further into the matter. In coming to tills decision, an interesting round the table discussion took place* from which it was gathered H good deal might be done in a general way to further the interests of scholars'and pupils alike. Some reference was made to the text books, particularly the readers. In regard to the latter, complaint was made that there had been a departure of late from* the good English literature and poetry provided for consumption, to fancy tales and legendary matter which excited the inauguration of the child foi little material /benefit. Reference was made likewise to the frequency with which standard readers were ‘changed, and.to the variety of books used over the Dominion. No doubt in regard to science text hooks, some change had txi take plitcd, hilt for reading Boriks; and other class instruction work shell as history, geography, arithmetic etp standard hook's could be secured for uniform use through all tlic Dominion schools. This would be a saving to parents in the matter of expense where pupils follow on from class to class or in moving from district to district. Another phase touched upon, and really one of vital moment, is the amount of education the children derive from the kinoina. This is so popular a medium that it should do great service, but'eare will require to he exercised to suppress absolutely the pernicious class of picture which is often, exhibited for the. eiilijjhtniont of the young folk. It will be well to draw the attraction of the authorities to the matter in any event.

A StniORXBER has made the suggestion to us that a list should bo compiled of the men of the district of German extraction who have gone to the front and worthily done their duty. He ventured to suggest that the list would surprise the average mau about .town,' and proceeded to relate brave incidents with which' some of tho men were particularly connected at the front. Ho recounted the ease, of a voting fellow whose parents were both German residing ill this neighbourhood, wlm to save the lives of his half dozen New Zealand comrades standing near sacrificed his own life when an enemy bomb came over the top. In sketching out the list it was not difficult to put down a score of names. The number scon grew to thirty and then to forty. No doubt there are more to add but the list is a surprise in its length, though not of the names for they are-the sons, of worthy pioneers, whom, as we remarked previously, we hold in the highest esteem. Most of these young men, if not all, were born in New Zealand or other neighbouring colonies. They may be fairly classed as countryment of their particular native land, and if the spirit of-fair-play is what we believe it to be, they will bo treated as such. The list of names, in some cases, revives recollections of very worthy pionebrs—men and women who bore the heat and burden of the times going into the back blocks to care out homes. They were all honoured in their lives, yet there are those who would 4 dishonour their sons even when the lads take up arms to light the common cause. Truly it is hard to fathom the ways of some man—but with the plain facts as they stand there can be no doubt what tho equities of the case, demand in the way of a fair deal.