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Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1926, Page 2

Tnkru i> an opinion expressed to-day j„ the thought for the times which is as applicable here in Nov Zealand as in Kiigla nd where the matter was voiced. The bold Mayor of Isiudnn spoke of the- ueud for increased efhcioncy ill all branches and grades of industry and cnincice. Great, Bri-

tain is lighting a tremendous battle m the industrial world, for in trade there

is a world-wide opposition and eoinpc

til inn. Efficiency ,at sm.b a tune must count for a great deal. llieio is a vast army of unemployed in Britain. but if more of the unemployed were ottieient. in trades then- would be less unemployed. I here is always room for Hie well equipped tradesman - lie can command work. \\ lien we admit the* Irubm expressed by the Lord Mayor that the future of the .nation is with the i f-ing, generation, there should be made a- few mistakes as possible in their training. YYe know that in the primary education of 1 lie children of the Dominion a vast sum is being expended. Ihe system has been well overhauled ot late, and it was wise certainly to see that the best expert advice could be obtained on such a matter. There is to be some extension of the primary system by the introduction of junior high schools where l the children in the higher standards will take no more advanced work earlier in life. We do not know that it was necessary ro create a sjxw-ial department tor that work, bill, at least any reasonable expense in doing so will not be grudged if I rotter results are to lie assured. The mental equipment of the young folk at the most impressionable age should be as thorough as po.--ili!e. The competition in the outside world was perhaps never greater, and we know that all countries are trying to emulate in matters educational. It is imperative t herd ore that the country should continue to do its best ill the effort to up. lift its people and place' them in a position where they will be equal to any test put upon them in the outside world by .international compel it ion. Mental equipment is the first aid to sustained success.