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Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1918, Page 2

Tire Government cf West- Australia hits' adopted a system of teaching by correspondence, the children in the backbloeks, where the population is so scattered that the establishment of a. school is not practicable. The plan has been in operation feir some little time in Now South Wales and Victoria,, and has been nttonded by a good deal ol success. It is considered that one teacher, in a central position, can in this way give tuition to 30 or 40 children Children are enrolled at from five to 1G years of age, and in any grade. Parents and older children are expected where possible to supervise the work of these students, and flic experience in both states in this respect has been a happy one; the children receiving considerable assistance from their elders. The school year is divided into three terms each, of 1-1 weeks, and the subject, for each grade, are divided into sets of two weeks' work, provision being also made for the revision of work and for examination. The children are expected to work to a time-table, and as each beginner is enrolled the work i« set out' clearly and forwarded every fortnight. Tbo Education Department in each of the two States mentioned has sent .to West Australia sets of wo*

and timetables. None but a well qualified teacher is suitable to carry out this work, and it necessary to offer suitably remuneration; but when it is remembered that in (hose localities where it is possible to establish the smallest, of schools the cost per child is about £2O per annum, it will be realised that the new sehemo is comparatively economical since the cost per head is considerably loss than the general 'average throughout the States of £7 per head.