TEACHERS' TRAINING.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 May 1920, Page 5

TEACHERS' TRAINING.

WINTER CLASSES IN NEW PLYMOUTH. COMMENDED BY THE MINISTER In the course of his visit to the various schools in New Plymouth yesterday, the Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister of Education, was agreeably surprised and much impressed with the course of classes for teachers being conducted at the Technical College at the present time. In particular the Minister was pleased to note, the attention being paid to agricultural education, and the fact that this subject was largely taught throughout the Taranaki district. In consequence of this Mr. Parr expressed a very keen desire to meet the teachers and speak with them. This was arranged, and the Minister attended again at the College prior to visiting Waitara. Mr. Masters, chairman of the Board, briefly introduced the Minister. The Hon. Mr. Parr expressed to th» teachers his very keen pleasure at meeting them while gathered together for instructional purposes. Although he was very busy, he felt he would not be doing his duty if he did not come to say a few words to them. He recognised the importance of their profession, and said the day had gone for ever when the occupation was looked down upon. Teachers had an immense influence for good or ill on the little ones under their supervision, and he was not sure that it was not greater than the home influence. He referred to his own experiences as a pupil at a little hal>time school in the back-blocks when speaking with appreciation of the work done by teachers in such districts. Teachers took a great share in the making and moulding of the children's character, and I in that respect their profession was one of tbe noblest and highest in the world. He hoped to achieve something for the smaller schools in the matter of improved .salaries of the teachers. He made no promises, but that was his ambition. Ho was specially pleased to hear of the agricultural courses being taken, and he knew also that goo'd use was made of the study in the subject. He urged that more importance still should be given to 'this in order to keep boys on the land, as it was undesirable that they should all Beek employment in towns and cities. He also expressed appreciation of the courses being taken in physical culture, reiterating the need for healthy children before everything else. He referred to the splendid effect produced by the children at Auckland in connection with the reception to the Prince of Wales, and said that was what the department and the country wanted to be taught. The job of educating the young people was one of the most important in .the whole country, and he warmly congratulated the teachers upon their keenness in the course they were undergoing Mr. Curteis, President of the local branch of the Teachers' Institute, thanked the Minister for his attendance and .words of appreciation, and remarked incidentally that of 156 schools in the dis'trict, 138 were taking lessons in agriculture in varying stages, from simple nature studies up to dairy science. Last night Mr. Cartels waited on the Minister whrle he was conferring with the Education Board to ask the Department to assist the teachers attending the. classes in the matter of meeting their expenses. He quoted instances of teachers paying from £3 up to £lO for their fare into New Plymouth and board and lodging while here. Mr. Parr promised to look into the matter and forward a reply in a few days.