TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 385, 5 March 1908, Page 3

TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Mr Braik’s Address.

A meeting of those interested in the. establishment of a technical school at Foxtou was held in the local State school on Tuesday evening, when an address was delivered on the subject of technical education by Mr Braik, the Board’s Chief Inspector. The attendance was not large. Included among those present were a number of ladies. Mr Baker, chairman of the School Committee, presided, and briefly introduced Mr Braik, who ‘ explained m a conversational and decidedly interesting manner, the - meaning, methods, and aims of technical education. Technical education, he, explained, vyas that form of education which brought us into touch vVith reality —it Was not unreal or bookish. It is an important aid to the production of wealth, imparting greater knowledge to.workmen in all industries. There was a marked difference between the old - time school object lessons and present day technical education ; children were now brought face to face with the object of instruction, aud knowledge was obtained by observation and experiment. All subjects were taught on scientific principles. All knowledge comes through observation, experiment, and inference. At the schools, materials were supplied for the above purpose. The education department were, prepared to help the people in equipping the school, and sending along instructors. The old school building would serve the purpose/ provided certain improvements were carried out. Those who had the matter at heart should make individual efforts to. raise sufficient money for this purpose. He had no ton possessed ‘several* wealthy people who would gladly contribute something in order to benefit their fellows. It would not require much money to make a start. The Government would subsidise all money raised locally £ for £, and he had no doubt but that the Minister for Education would also further assist them with a grant, provided application was made. He spoke of the aims of technical education, proving that it gave greater pleasure to workers in all branches of industry, and increased the moral fibre of the people. In reply to questions, Mr Braik said 12 was the minimum number of each class, but if there were a less number than this it would be necessary to raise the fees. The . Department paid capitation to make up the instructor’s fee. The local Committee could, if necessary, group the subjects. In Wanganui, apprentices were assisted in the payment of fees by their employers. Home work was not compulsory, but it naturally followed that if a boy were enthusiastic and ambitious, he would not be satisfied to allow his studies to end in the class-room. One hour a week would not be of much use if not supplemented with further study. He was sorry Mr Grant was unable to be present, but he hoped that he would have a syllabus prepared by Thursday next. He agreed that the Board’s architect should inspect the old • school* building. The repairs, painting, etc., might incur an expenditure of £SO or £6O. The usual compliment to the speaker concluded the meeting.