The Daily News. FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1919. EDUCATION IN TARANAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1919. EDUCATION IN TARANAKI.

The report of the Education Board of the district of Taranaki for the year 1918, which has just come to hand, is interesting and instructive, while it shows the great strides education has taken as regards the number of schools, the scholars, the teaching staff and the large increase in the subjects in which instruction is given consequent upon the operations of technical and agricultural institutions. In 1877 there were under the Board's control 23 schools with 32 teachers, the number of children on the roll being 726, whereas in 1918 there were 151 schools, 334 teachers and a roll number of 10,315, the Board's receipts from all sources amounting to over £BO,OOO. The enlargement of the district administered by the Board brought with it additional responsibilities and the need for becoming acquainted with the requirements of a number of schools outside the former area, and the Board rose to the occasion in a most exemplary manner. There was a revitalisation that augured well for successful and progressive administration—not a mere flash in the pan, but a settled policy of action based on actual personal visits of the members of the Board to the various schools whenever occasion demanded. In large measure the Board's gratifying record is due to the enthusiasm, sympathy and untiring work of the chairman (ft'lr R. Masters) who has sacrificed much of his time to further the cause of education in the district, and has demonstrated how completely the Board identifies itself with the best interests of the teachers, the scholars, the school committees and the parents, besides endeavoring as far as possible to secure improved conditions in the school buildings, teachers' residences, school grounds and in all sanitary matters. There is every reason ts believe tliet the

present Board members, and especially the chairman, gained the full confidence of all interested in education in Taranaki, and that the inspectors and secretary have dome all in their power to assist in the 15was enlightened administration, with the result that a stimulus has been given to education in the province. The retirement of Mr E. Dixon (Hawera) was a great loss to the Board, and the appreciative record of his valuable services is fittingly mentioned in the report. It is worthy ot' note that junior national scholarships were awarded to two pupils at the Stratford D. H. School, and one each at Manaia, Okato, West End and Hawera D. H. School. During the year three new schools were erected, and additions made to five. In spite of all the pressure brought to bear on the Department the Board has met with an absolute refusal of grants to provide wash-houses and bathrooms in teachers' residences. Both these requirements are so essential that deprivation entails great discomfort and inconvenience, besides rendering the teaching profession less attractive. As there are two members of Parliament on the Board it should be their pleasure, as well as their duty, to have this grievance remedied without delay. The work in connection with manual, technical and agricultural instruction is growing considerably, and it is one of the most important at the present time; so that it is satisfactory to note that ,the live policy of the Board in this direction bids fair to produce results that will have a marked bearing on the equipment of the children for the battle of life. It may confidently be assumed that parents will appreciate the Board's desire to have swimming baths established, thereby promoting the general health and efficiency of the scholars. It is also pleasing to find that the subject of physical instruction has the Board's sympathy and support, while the claim for adequate capitation for small schools in the back blocks should commend, itself to the community. Unfortunately the lack Of trained teachers at present is a handicap, and imposes on the inspectors much additional work, there being 172 uncertificated teachers. This unsatisfactory position is likely to continue until better inducements are offered to highly-traiifed men and women to enter and remain in the service. In spite of this drawback, the inspectors report that the standard of efficiency throughout the district has been well maintained during- the past year, a case of slackness on the part of a teacher being rare, and no school being reported as very weak, while the average efforts of the pupils in composition achieved very creditable results. Altogether, the work of education in Taranaki appears to be on a satisfactory basis and will doubtless compare favorably with any other district in the Dominion. The Board may, therefore, be heartily commended for its successful administration, and the zeal _ of its large staff. Changes in methods are necessarily introduced from time to time as the true principles of education are evolved. We are as yet a long way from perfection, but every step forward is a gain to the cause. Never was there a time like the present when it is so imperative to create sound minds and sound bodies, and those who are best acquainted with the administrative policy of the Taranaki Education Board are impressed with the methods that are being utilised for reaching the desired goal.