THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1907.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 27, 26 April 1907, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1907.

The strength and significance of unity in any matter is strikingly manifested in the question of education in New Zealand. Periodically, we read of annual committee elections, and the whole colony, from the most remote back-block to the heart of the city, is stirred to a common interest at precisely the same time. Meetings could be held at various times throughout the year, and matters of the utmost importance could be decided thereat, but they would not claim notice, or arrest attention like the great wave which reaches the uttermost corner of the colony, and stirs parents to action. In the King Country there is much need for interest and activity by the settlers with regard to education. In all directions the march of settlement is peopling the wilderness, and the children of the stouthearted pioneer must be provided for to the full. The schooling of the present generation is very different to that of the last, and that of the next will probably be in advance of the present, to an even greater extent. We must progress to live, and progress is only obtained through education. We can only get the best education for our children by securing the best possible teachers, and, having got them, by giving unreservedly our assistance and support. The act of learning is not the sombre, cheerless grind of years ago. No royal road to it has yet been found, but there is a cheerful and interesting one, and the master who can rouse his pupils' interest has overcome the greatest difficulty in his profession. The system of cram, and annual examinations, as to the extent of the matter remembered by the child, has been wisely done away with, Changes are working rapidly in our teaching system and the seeking for the best on the part of the staffs is one of the surest indications that the parent public is demanding it. The idea that education should be as free to all as the air we breathe is universally accepted and in our colony has been put as near to practical demonstration as possible. The doctrine that the child of the humblest worker will have the same chance of education, from the primary school to the university, is not only a tribute to sense and good feeling ; it is absolusely necessary for our national existence and well being. Education has made rapid strides and there is still much to be done before we can congratulate ourselves. It is the duty of every parent worthy of the name to do his utmost to equip his children so that thej r become useful citizens, and of the highest possible benefit to their race as well as to themselves. In this as in all other things worth doing there is -some effort required. The first and most important is to take an interest in school matters, and begin early.