Random Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 46, 10 February 1894, Page 9

Random Notes.

During the past -week we have been entertained with a plethora of educational news. On Monday we received a lengthy report, along with our breakfast coffee, of the proceedings of the Teachers’ Conference at IN elsou a month ago, while, at frequent intervals since, we have had glimpses of the inspectors of the colony in solemn conclave assembled. As I do not claim to be completely an, fait in scholastic matters, I am therefore dependent upon the press for my information. One peculiarity of the inspectorial congress struck me as being decidedly peculiar, and evidently requires inspectorial education to make it clear to the average mind. How does it come that the deliberations of the secret conclave become known to the Press Agency when from the meetings the press representatives are excluded? 1 will, however, accept the reports transmitted by telegraph as substantially correct, and we certainly feel grateful for the consideration shown in allowing us outside to gather up the crumbs of information which have fallen to our lot. It is to be hoped that the Conference will bear fruit

in several directions in -which reform is necessary. One of the most crying evils they show some inclination to ameliorate —the “ pass, or percentage craze!” Education cannot, I fear, be gauged by figures nor estimated by percentages, and in too many cases I opine the “pass " by the inspector is more esteemed than the sound course of education, of which that “ pass ” is supposed to be evidence. I cannot —and it is needless that I should, follow the inspectors into all the details of the various resolutions adopted, but it is to be hoped that their deliberations will be productive of more fruit than an able and forgotten (!) report furnished now many years ago to the Education. Department by an eminent northern educationist, the results of long and patient investigation of Continental and American systems of education. The other educational assembly at Nelson early this year was attended by some three or four well-known Southland teachers whoso design was evidently to attract the said assembly to Invercargill at its next session a year hence. In this they succeeded, therefore we shall be able on some future occasion to estimate the oratorical powers of the scholastic luminaries of the higher magnitudes. The deliberations at Sleepy Hollow (did the dominies wake ’em up, 1 wonder?) dealt chiefly with that subject of perennial interest —“Superannuation funds”—and kindred topics of scholastic importance, but of much less general interest, and therefore I shad refrain from lengthily commenting thereon.

From the space allotted to the subject in the latest batch of renews and magazines received by Homo mails a reader may well conclude that the one subject that is at present exercising the mines of the English people is the condition of their navy. Time was when in loud and strident tones we sang “ The sea is England’s glory,” and claimed the ocean as the°33riton’s birth-right. Now, however, all that is changed. The nations of the Continent of Europe have at last awakened to the fact that the sceptre of the sea is the key which unlocks tho door leading to commercial supremacy, and so, while adding battalion to battalion in friendly (?) emulation in tho interests of universal peace, they (the said nation?) are now beginning also to increase the number of their ironclads. To such an extent has this been done that Britain has practically ceased to occupy the premier position she claims as her right. “Punch” keeps his finger very closely on the political pulse of the Old Country, and his attitude on the question may be accepted as typical of that of the average Englishman. Two cartoons in quick succession he devotes to this subject, and powerful productions they are. But will they produce the desired result ? Will the G.O. M. (Buskin’s variation of the title seems every year becoming more appropriate !) cease to pursue the mirage that dances before him, and signalise the closing years of his long supremacy by an act that will reinforce England’s claim to the sovereignty of the sea in terms that will carry duo conviction to her rivals and almost avowed enemies on the Continent ? Much as this is to be wished, we may well fear that it will not suit the Grand Old Shuffler to perform an act so evidently «»-friendly to Holy Bussia, or its secret ally, Republican France, whose good opinion he seems to value more highly than the poor deluded Jingo Englishman. Some time ago I commented upon the dark and devious ways of a small section of the local Athenaeum readers, in defacing and also defiling the pages of the library books. Tha bookworm seems again engaged upon his nefarious proceedings, this time, however, transferring his attentions to the reading-room. The Committee now offer a rew'ard for the discovery of the “ abstractor ” of several magazines. “Don’t they wish they may find me ? ” I fancy that individual utters to himself with a leer as he reads the notice. “ I certainly wish they could, my fine fellow,” I add, “ and I cheerfully would assist the committee in helping you to a cold douch in the Puni Creek,—which service you well merit at the hands of those who are endeavouring to provide for the literary enjoyment of the residents of the town.” The book fiend, if still undiscovered, I trust will “ Tak’ a thocht and men’ ” his manners, and allow all to enjoy what is provided for the enjoyment of all. I am debarred by the fact that the eases are still sv.h jndice from commenting upon those North Island Election Petitions. I cannot refrain, however, from remarking the extent to which “ hotels ” enter into the matter, both of electing members and of preparing petitions to oust them, when elected, from their seats. Docs Sur Bubbert feel his seat somewhat insecure ? One can scarcely guess from the expression of his suave and smiling features, but we can almost with certainty conclude that he will survive the ordeal to prove to our Democratic Richard a veritable thorn in the flesh during the session soon to be. Yox.