CITIZENSHIP.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1923, Page 3

CITIZENSHIP.

EDUCATING THE YOUNG. WELLINGTON. June 20. At tlm hi't meeting of the Council of Ldileatjon. a .siili-coininiltee. consisting of Miss N. Coe.tl tconvenor). Messrs .1. I!. Kirk, Howell and t ampl.cll. was appoilitel to enquire into the que-tini of teaching history, civics and geography in the schools of the Dominion. Miss (Had to-day brought up a eotn-piobeli-five repo: l on Lite subject. Ihe report, which wes described by sovoial members of the Council as being a very valuable one. i- lo be considered by the (' mncil.

This committee, slates the report, lias corresponded widely ill England, the United Slates and New Zealand in search of criticism and suggestions, ft has. besides, onnl'orred with experts in rations pails oi the I lomtiiioii. As lar as- possible. Ibe geography | rogramme has been correlated with the history mid civics programme, hut when nil is said and done, the proposals now bolero the Council arc more a icorgaiiixatioii of old ones, limn the introduction <>t new . In all cases the requirements of Now Zealand schorls have been kept in view. The aim ti' this is preparation for citizenship. This training need not. of ionise, fi- limited to hetory, cities anil gcogra] Ity. In' me socialised |;o:ut of view ian be taken with most subjects, but it is hardly open lo qiies,'-:oi:i llytt, Uor-e sill j. ‘ft ■ have strong advaiiinge.s in this d lection not p' -ses-ed ill so gteal a degree by other subjects. 11l the suggested c:\ns !<>r insl'Miui*. .• riiiirautor-

istie feature is that it Ins alteinptcd M focus attenlimi on eommunily e<• I - tare more than on macliuiery governinen t. I hough tills aspect lias mil been fergollen. Other special lealure- are schemes for less Ms oa health a'l.l I ereaiioii mid intern.iiiona! r. latii e-. - New I'e,ituies suggested by the com- . nutlet! for several classes are then set out in detail. With regard la leaching in one class, the romn.iltoo says: Nev, features here in civics are: (1) The Nation's work. 'This is intended m be a short gener.d study of v. cations, and. if rightly handled, should mu only help the people in choose bis veal ion intelligently, but , should show him the re') olisihilities cl citizenship in iniinexioii therewith. I lie kliul.lv qucslmils ciMinccted with a lair .lev’s »„r!c. a fair .lay’s 1 lay. lb,- i-uin-munity value of trade and the independence of various industries could be introduced here, (liven skilful touching, such study should lead to a hotter understanding between the various sections of the eommunily and. |eibap-. even pave the way lor a better nmh’i- j standing between ("a |;it nl and I.iihcur. j AVI let her this is the best possible way of preparing young peo| le lor lite we d-> not assume the province of determining; only experience and expenment ran do Unit, but a beginning should be made, ami in the meantime your committee suggests that this experiment be given a lair trial. (2) The League of Nations. The world-wide interest that attaches to the League and the I'uet that New Zealand is directly concerned are reasons which justify its inclusion in this syllabus. ’ Moreover, it has been given a prominent- place in most el the cities programmes recently published in England. A special programme nil public Imnltlt is outlined for third and fourth fill-ins under one head. Ihe committee suggests: after pointing out the need for exercise, cleanliness etc., moral habits and model ati- n in all things, show the danger ol practising any activity harmful to the body—such a- excess in athletics; show the danger to the community and posterity In m intemperance. I [ere appropriate ullusi.m can he made to the social hygiene question. and the responsibilities ot the individual to the community in <mch ,! ui .,v the pci il to health and me ami vocational prospects: the value of warm clothing as a preventive of chills and coiiscsucii L maladies; the danger i of following the latest fashion : mention ! the Blanket Society, Red Cress, etc.