TECHNICAL CLASSES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7876, 19 July 1905, Page 2

TECHNICAL CLASSES.

JI i.i somewhat a slur on New Plymouth that up to the present no provision has been made for that technical instruction which has bejcouie a necessity of modem progress land competition. The subject is one thai has not been lost sight of, bu v circumstances have not favour-t-,1 these who had the matter in lijnd. Even now there is no technical school proper, but the Central School has been pressed into the seivicc oi the cause, and will no ilnuhl answer very well for the miidcsl M:trl now to be effected. Probably

a> the scheme grows it may 'je necessary to engage other premises for special work, and in the course of

lime we may have a properly designed and equipped building devoted entirely to technical education. ■ Meanwhile, the Chief Inspector of the Taranaki Education Board, Mr W. K. Silencer, has, with the approval of the Hoard, framed a scheme of continuation and technical classes that should prove of great benefit to the risingigencration of the town. The Central School Committee have givr:: iheir hearty co-operation in the mailer, with the result that on Monday evening next there will commence a session at the Central School for the study of various tech-

l.ical subjects as will ena'Ule students to prepare for the. recognised seienre and art ami technical examinations. It does not follow that all the students will si I for these examinations, though there is an advantage in so doing. The fees have twn fixed ,on a moderate scale, and as an inducement to regular attendance a rebate is offered. Competent instructors have been appointed, and as Mr Spencer is the organisingdirector there should be no hitch in the arrangements. It now remains to be,seen to what extent these classes will -be used. That they supply a long-needed want goes without saying, and now that they are within the reach of ?UI desiring to O'juip themselves thoroughly for the tattle of life there should he no hesitation on the part of our young people in taking advantage of the provision. In other towns of less importance than New Plymouth these (lasses have been most popular, and productive of much good. Mr Spencer is certainly entitled to the thanks :.f the community for the labour he '.as bestowed in preparing and 'aunchir.f; the scheme, which it is

• ■oped will become a permanent am ■iseful institution.