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Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1929, Page 4

During the present week the schools of the district will be closing down for the end of the year holidays. Jt is an impornnt stage in the scholastic period, for it is a time when many young • fiilk are leaving school altogether, and going out into the world to play their part as men and women of the period. In. these days when the openings for employment are restricted as they are, the occasion is of some concern -to parents, who are desirous of seeing their children placed to the best advantage. The population has increased at too great a rate of late, with the result that the ordinary avenues are rather crowded, while out in the world at large there is an army of unemployed which menaces the general situation of employment. The plight of the country is such just now, that the young folk in their school careers require to make the' most of their opportunities. It is the golden opportunity of their lives to outfit themselves for the battle of life to come later. Although a great deal depends on their tutors, much and more depends on themselves in the way of studious application of their duties. The education system of this country is a very costly affair. There is not much complaint on that score as long as the results are achieved. On the whole, it must he admitted that the standard of education in New Zealand appears highly satisfactory. A race of young people is.being discharged from the schools year after year well equipped in a general way, but if the young minds could ha impressed with the intensity nt the personal competition’in the world outside which they arc' later to enter, their application would Ire more keen than it has been. The examination results as tests of their knowledge and understanding appears to be regarded with satisfaction by those responsible for the tests, and there is reason to believe that a good grounding is given in all the primary schools. The secondary education is a matter for the brighter scholars winning places by

examination, and the assistance of the

parents, able and willing to see their children further advanced. Education is the chief gdt with which the rising generation may he endowed. From the knowledge and understanding gleanea at s.liool, so many lives are shaped, and parents in particular shook! take a fuller, in fact the fullest interest m all matters pertaining to the education of the young.