ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 11 September 1880, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE OAMARU NJAISi. Sir, —It is with surprise and great regret I observe that the Harbor Board have determined ta proceed with the construction o.f the north mole in rubble only fta the material. I am no professional and yet I have had some practical experience in such works, and am fully convinced a great error will be competed if this work is allowed to go o». Hitherto the Harbor Boftrd x with few exceptions, given every satisfaction to the community in the disoharge of their very important duties, but it is not an infallible body, and in this instance I am quite sure the majority of the public are opposed to this class of work. I desire to record my deliberate opinion in opposition, and if any good purpose would be served I would suggest the calling of a public meeting to consider the question. Oamaru ha 3 already suffered too much from ill-expended money, and cannot afford more doubtful experiments. I am, <&c., Watchful. [We presume our correspondent, when speaking of ill-spent money and doubtful experiments, does not allude to the Oamaru Harbor Works, which have so far certainly done credit alike to the town and Colony.—En. O.M.] •

TO TIIK RUITOR OF THE OAMARU MAIL. Sir, —I learn that our public schools are now being examined by the Inspectors, but so far as I know neither the representatives of the citizens —* the School Committee—nor the pa?»»ts of children have been invited, to witness the proceedings. I perhaps an "old fogio" in the matter of education and how to promote enthusiasm in the work both to teaoliers and taught; yet I must confess it seems » peculiarly weak system the on? now The " bole

and corner" method of examinatioii ht)V pursued can only tend to induce a perfunctory and routine style of teaching and the youthful minds of the childron will never get the stimulus of public approbation. I presume no explanations or reasons will be given for the adoption of the new system, and I can therefore only enter my protest against it, as an innovation having nothing to recommend it.—l am., &c., Inquirer. [Our correspondent is most decidedly an " old fogie," belonging to the bygone days when parents paid directly for the education of their children, and took a. lively interest in school work. Then, examinations were carried on publicly, and parents were invited to attend and ascertain for themselves the value they received for their money. Things are changed now. The public do not pay directly for the education of their children, and, according to the Education Board, have no right to know anything about the manner in which the schools are, conducted. The examinations are not public affairs, and we believe we are. correct in stating that even the School Committees are not notified of the dates, upon which they are to be held. This ia a sign of the progress we have made in these matters. Old-fangled notions such as those of our correspondent are cast aside, and we are determined not to travel in the track beaten by our fathers, who were a very ignorant set of men, and did not know what was good for themselves and their children. —Ed. O.M.]