OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS COLUMN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 85

OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS COLUMN.

FOR SENIORS AND JUNIORS.

(Conducted by Maxxster to whom all ccm-

munications must be addressed.)

THE NAVY LEAGUE COMPETITIONS.

A circular has been sent to all head and sole teachers of Otago schools drawing attention to the essay work for this year's competition. From it I take the following :—: —

" Where the essays are of sufficient merit one prize will be awarded to each sohoel presenting from five to nine competitors, and two prizes to schools presenting 10 or more competitors. If the quality of the essays other than the best should seem to warrant it extra prizes may be awarded. The essays of each school are to be examined and valued by the- teacher, or by the teacher "working in collaboration with a competent local man; and where there are five to nine competitors the two best essays, and where there are 10 or more competitors the four best essays, are to be forwarded to the Education Office. In addition tc the prizes awarded to individual schools, three or four prizes will be awarded for the three or four best essays in the district.

"The following are the subjects for the essays:— For seniors of the Dunedin and Waitaki High Schools : ' What is Meant by the Command of the Sea, and Why Must Britain Retain It?' For public schools, juniors of high schools, and pupils of private schools : ' The Elizabethan Seamen and their Work.'

"The competition will probably take place in the lirst half of September. " The Navy League has determined to offer prizes to each school in order to arouse interest in the navy in every part of the district, and it earnestly eohcita your good offioes to make the competition a real success It feels that your influence in your district can be made to do a great deal in arousing, both in the children and in the parents a real live interest in the question of naval efficiency,' a question that is, as you are- aware, of vital importance to every part of the Empire. Preparation for the competition need not add to the work of the pupils, for the study of such questions might well form part of the school work in history and' historical geography." J?or the public school essay I suggest thro schools get a copy of Froude's " Elizabethan Seamen," published at 3s 6d in Longman's Silver Library. With this read Fioude's "Spanish Story of the Armada," in the same series- at same price, and " Westward Ho," procurable at from od upwards. Those who have read the outline of Drake's life in the School Journal will see a striking resemblance between it and one of Froude's- lectures.