TEACHING OF PATRIOTISM.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 November 1915, Page 6

TEACHING OF PATRIOTISM.

WAR AND THE SCHOOLS. EDUCATION 7 DEPARTMENT'S WORK. INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER OF EDUCATION. The measures taken by the Education Department to foster a national patriotic spirit in the schools of New Zealand were mentioned to the Minister of Education (the Hon. J. A. Hanan) by a Daily News representative last night. The Minister said he had noticed a suggestion that his department was failing in this respect. As a matter of fact, a great deal was being done, and New Zealand had been cited in other countries, notably in Britain and Canada, as an illustration of the success with which patriotism could be fostered in a people as a whole through the instruction given in the elementary schools. "The syllabus for primary education," added the Minister, "states that lessons on the privileges and duties of a citizen as a member of the Empire, of the State or colony, and of the municipality, are to be given, and generally that in the teaching of history and civics 'the practical aim of making a good citizen is to be kept constantly in view.' There is every reason to believe that teachers have conscientiously complied with the provisions of the regulations and by lessons suitably graded to the varying capacities of the pupils in the several standards are laying the foundations of an earnest patriotism. It is also a fact that in most schools the teachers regularly explain the war news to their pupils, who are thus kept in touch with the progress of events, and as opportunity arises read or recount deeds of heroism or self-sacrifice to stimulate the imagination.

THE IMPERIAL SPIRIT. "Further, essays are written upon tile war—its origin, the justice of the Allies' cause, the oppression of Belgium, and kindred subjects. Long before the war broke out, the School Journal, which is supplied to all schools and goes into most homes, regularly published articles bearing directly on patriotism, and in the Empire Day issue made a special feature of patriotism and Imperial topics. By means of both prose and verse pupils were shown striking examples of selfsacrifice and devotion to duty in ancient and modern times, and these could not fail to rouse in their minds the noblest emotions. Articles on character forming were included also. Sometimes these taught patriotism by direct exposition, but more generally by the narration of inspiring stories taken from the live 3 of men and women in all ranks of life. Since the war broke out its many aspects have been dealt with, and during the current year alone 110 fewer than twenty-four articles bearing directly on the war have appeared in Part 111. (for Standards V. anil VI.), in addition to others giving outlines of the history of the countries engaged. The pupils are thus enabled to follow the course of the war in an intelligent manner, and by means of the accompanying maps, diagrams and illustrations must obtain a vivid picture of what is taking place and the manner in which the war is carried on.

"A person with even the most superficial knowledge of what our school children have done for the Empire during the war must admit that those re.soonsible for their instruction have not failed in their duty. In addition to contributing liberally to the war equipment of our soldiers on the outbreak of hostilities, out of their own savings the school children have provided five motor ambulances as well as other ambulance accessories for the relief of the sick and wounded. Continuously since then the trirls have been busily making bandages, Balaclavas, socks, etc., in some cases the boys providing the material out of their locket money. In both primary and secondary schools pupils have gladly consented to forego the annual prizes, picnics, etc., in order that the money usually spent on these might be used to supplement one or other of the relief or patriotic funds. Thanks to the instrac- ! tion they have received our children have ; displayed an earnest patriotism and a spirit of sacrifice unrivalled by any other section of the community. They have shown in the most practical manner—and it is believed not under the influence of blind impulse, but with" the full appreciation of 'their responsibilities—that they possess in iuU measure a great pride in the race fiom which they have sprung, and an inte?ise love of their country and the Empire. ■

AX OBJECT LESSON. '•May I say here that the spirit of earnest patriotism and of sacrifice practically shown by our school children furnishes a striking object lesson to a number of adults (possessed of great wealth) who have failed in their duty to spontaneously make contributions according to their means to patriotic funds for the assistance of our soldiers and for the Empire's cause. It should he also mentioned that many of our teachers and school children are members of Empire Leagues (they had one branch of the League.of the Empire in Southland) I and other movements to promote Imperial education of the young, such as the establishment of a web of correspondence among the schools of the Empire; that is to -say, by linking schools in one part with those in distant parts of the Empire lor the interchange between scholars of descriptive letters, photographs, postcards, newspapers and patriotic literature. Functions were held at which lectures were given illustrated by lantern pictures and tableaux and prizes given for essay competitions. Much good was done by this means to promote friendly and educational intercourse, to make the rising generation better acquaitned with one another, to understand each other's needs and to establish a lasting foundation of Imperial friendship and usefulness. "In' regard to lessons on the economic advantages of supporting British trade and industries I may say that it has already been arranged that a series of articles (fenling with the industries of Xew Zealand will appear in part 111. for next year. "Had France possessed a similar publication to our School Journal, there would have been no necessity for the issu.i of special booklets. I notice in a magazine I was reading recently that the question of Imperial studies in connection with the Universities at Home is being urged; perhaps something in this connection may be done in this country. lam heartily In sympathy with any agency or methods td further and better inculcate in the minds Vi the