EUUCATION IN THE BACK BLOCKS.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 252, 30 March 1906, Page 2

EUUCATION IN THE BACK BLOCKS.

Th® back-block settler is much to bu sympathised with ; but we do not know if the children are not more to be pitied than the parents. With tbe advance of modern civilisation the uneducated are in a parlous state, and it ought to be tbe aim of the educational governing body to see that not o single child in the back blocks should go entirely without learning. As it is, it. seems impossible to give full time tea chers to all the small settlements where perhaps not a dozen children ate to be found in a radius of ten miles; and indeed it may be difficult to find sufficient inducement to establish half-time schools. In these cases it appears to us that tbe American system of a visiting teacher spending a week in each of say four districts, if possible at tbe house of one of tbe settlers ; but if not at tbe various houses where at leasi’four or five children can be met, would suit the requirements. He could lay down a scheme for these children to- follow out and also a foundation for study for a few weeks ahead. A good teacher could do more for the mass, and for the individual,'than an inferior one would do for a small centre where be or she misdirected his or her energies. Many children will not learn, in spite of all the efforts of teachers and systems. There is, however, a large percentage of children that if only shown the way will follow up the scent, and these are the ones who will benefit by the periodic visit of a teacher who directs their system of thought; to be taught to think correctly is of more importance than to be crammed well. In such places as Taharoa, Te Maika, Te Anga, Marakopa and Kiritebere, where there is only a sprinkling of children just now, a scheme of this sort would fit in admirably, and would keep the children in touch with current education, so that when the population increased te warrant tbe establishment of full time schools these children would not have been wasting the whole of their time. Another thing has been noticed in the establishment of these teaching districts, is that tbe children looked npon tbe “ school week " as a period of recreation and enjoyment, whereas when they get it in full doses it nauseates. We sincerely hope tbe educational authorities will help tbe places mentioned in some manner.