The Daily News. TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 1917. A TECHNICAL COLLEGE HOSTEL.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 1917. A TECHNICAL COLLEGE HOSTEL.

There was a time when technical and manual classes were regarded more as a fad than as a factor in national life, but many years of hard fighting against prejudices, together with the introduction of more enlightened methods of instruction, have gradually convinced the progressive nations that the work comprised in this sphere of education is not only beneficial to the community, but is absolutely essential, hence the great importance that is now attached to this instruction and the need that exists for placing its advantages within the reach of all young men and women. The war has given an additional impetus to technical study, by reason <S'f the Fact that the great commercial and industrial struggle which must inevitably take place after the war has ended will demand the most thorough and complete equipment of Knowledge throngiiout the Empire, in order to make the hest of our resources. There is only one road to success in, this campaign, and that is practical knowledge and intelligent application. There must be concentration on solving commercial and industrial problems so as to achieve success, and that can only be attained by means of classes within the reach of all. It is, however, unreasonable to expect that a technical school or college can be supplied to every township, nor would such a step be conducive to the best results, which can best-. be secured by , thoroughly equipped and stalled institutions in the larger towns, though inueh useful and effective work can be done at every school in the Dominion. The problem of how to administer the scheme of manual and technical education to the best advantage in Taranaki has received the attention it deserves, •I'ith the result that the syllabus is all that can be desired. The only weak link in the system is the inability tb bring it within reach of the country children, and it is to meet this need that the chairman of the Taranaki Education Board has brought forward a scheme for the erection of a hostel in New Plymouth. The project is one that does infinite credit to Mr. Masters, whose sound progressive policy is proving most advantageous to the cause of education in Taranaki. There should not be any real difficulties in the way ol' the scheme materialising, provided it is carried out with due regard to economy. It must be apparent to everyone that the greater the number of pupils attending the Technical College the more complete will be the equipment and range of studies. There is no question that the future of the Empire will largely depend on its being self contained and making the best of the whole of its available resources. This means systematic training and expert organisation, but the chief value of a thorough technical course is to be found in the higher standard of intellectual and manual efficiency that is obtained, thus giving the students a far better chance of success and prosperity . in after life. It is to be hoped that the project will receive the most careful consideration, so that it may become an important factor in raising the status of our future citizens and ensure their being well equipped for the battle of life.