HIGH SCHOOLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1916, Page 4

HIGH SCHOOLS.

A LACK OF THOROUGHNESS, . STATEMENT BY MINISTER By Cable.—Press Association—Copyright Hamilton, Saturday, fieplying to a deputation at Hamilton, and referring to the work done by High Schools, Hon. .T. A. Hanan (Minister for Education), said that what he found in some High Schools in regard to knowledge and training impelled him to take steps to obtain a full report, dealing with certain subjects which he had found were not receiving that attention in some schools that their importance war. ranted. In the mattel- of reading, writing, and English it would appear that pupils made very ljttle. progress, while pupils after leaving the . primary schools had to some extent actually gone back in certain instances. He was surprised to find in one High School he had visited that although provision and equipment was provided for rural courses and domestic science not one pupil' was taking advantage of these courses, attention being given more in the direction of commercial and professional callings. As soon as the Director of Schools (Dr, Anderson), was freed from certain work lie would get him to visit the High Schools of the Dominion and make a special report as to the nature and value of the work being done. School worlt, added the Minister, is not to be judged solely by cranming arid passing certain examinations.

Mr. Hanan slid that lie was impelled to this course, not only from personal ob« servations and enquiries, but also after having received the opinion of gentlemen versed in such matters, who had accompanied him on the visits made to various schools. The Minister added that, having regard for the amount tli" p'inntry is expending on High Sehe<' d what is actually obtained, lie f" t the pre. sent state of affairs could net continue