MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4662, 15 February 1924, Page 2

MINISTER OF EDUCATION

VISIT TO I’AEROA SCHOOL. . advice to pupils. The Hon. C. J. Parr, accompanied by Mrs Parr, Messrs A. Burns, member of the Auckland Education Board, D. W. Dun(op, Advisory Inspector, His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall), H. Poland, M.P., and C. H. of Netherton, and members of the Paeroa District High School, paid an official visit to the school on Tuesday last. Mr G. H. Taylor, the headmaster, received the party.

The Minister congratulated the school on its Honours Board, and commented on the splendid record put up by ex-pupils of the school during the war. A visit was made to each class room in turn, and the iMnister met each teacher and addressed a few' words to the pupils. While visiting Standard 111. room a writing lesson was in progress, and the Minister made favourable comment on the print script work that was being done. Passing through the primary department, the secondary department was visited. Here Mr Parr displayed particular interest in the geography lesson that was in progress. After obtaining particulars from the master, JMfr F. H. Wilks, the Minister counselled the pupils to remain for .it least three years in the high school, and if four years were spent there all the better. He urged 'he children to ii.se their best endeavours to matriculate before leaving school, coptending that any pupil who had attended a district high school for four years, and who had passed the matriculation examination, was fit to hold a position in any part of the World. The standard of education set in the secondary school in New. Zealand was high, and pupils should avail themselves of everj’ opportunity and facility for learning. Parents should be induced to encourage their children to enter the high school departments after obtaining their proficiency certificates. The, gaining of. touch certificates was very necessary, but, obviously. if a pupil sought a commercial or an academic career, then the higher branches of education must be acquired.