HON. ATMORE

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1929, Page 3

HON. ATMORE

VISIT TO BULLER. (By Telegraph—Press Association). WESTPORT, May 2. Hon H. Atmore, Minister for Education, made a tour of the schools in Westport and in the mining townships to-day, at the same time meeting deputations of School Committees in regard to local requirements, and this evening was accorded a civic reception by the Mayor, Mr J. H. Hnrkness, supported by Mr H. E. Holland, M.P. for Buffer. The Minister, in replying, gave an inspiring address on the education needs of the country. He stated it was intended that the existing education system, which was founded, he said, mainly on the academic system of Oxford and Cambridge, must he changed to meet the changing needs of the people. The individual aptitudes of the children must be considered, so that they would have mental equipment in keening with their splendid physical equipment. Dealing with the question of the Junior High Schools, the Minister said that he did not like the term, as it suggested distinctions and snobbishness. He preferred the term “Secondar Education.”

The Minister, as elsewhere, stressed the need for a neducation that would induce bright hoys and girls to give more attention to the pursuit of farming occupations.