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Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 14 March 1890, Page 2

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MAXAWATU HERALD. Sir. — As you hare always been the champion of fair play in this district, I trust you will give me space in your valuable columns for a few words In your issue of the llth instant you informed the public, that Mr John Bryceof Kebel Pardoning Notoriety, His excellency the Governo ', and yoursblf were of the opinion, that a thorough knowledge of the f uirth standard w s sufficient to ouable an;. 1 child to make its way in the world, it a boy or girl is sent to school at the age of six years, in fche majority of wises they pass the fourth standard before they are ten, that is if they are regular attendants. At that iige they are too young to oo to any trade or profession, even of their education qualified them for any trade or profession. And how are they goi"g to occupy their time before they are old, and strong enough to go out and make their wny in the world? 'ihe boys by throwing stones and learning to swear, nud the girls by skipping, and dressing th-ir dolls, and all for gotting what they have learnt in school and blessing yourself, and Mr John Brvco, and His Excellency the overnor for giving them s'ich glorious liberty. But what have j they learned when they have passed the fourth standard ? "What ( do they know of arithmetic, spell- i ' ing, and writing, which are very necessary to enable them to make 1

;heir way in the world? I suppose < ;hey can master the first four simple t rules cf arithmetic, can spell words ( ?f two syllables, and write a hand tvhicli no man of business would liavo in his office. But I assure you Sir that we the people of New rAealaud will not permit Mr John Bryca, 3veii if lie jfrarigs to his opinions, like a bulldog on" ft beast, rtnd is again in the foremost raaks in the House, to interfere with our present system of education in the direction you suggest. Our system of education tlidiigh 1 imperfect is the greatest boon the people df this colony have hither^ received fi'om tile hrtiids of their legislators, and we cannot permit Mr John Bryco even if he has the tenacity of a bulldog to take that boon away from us. . I am <fee. A Supporter of our present system OF EDUCATION.