TEACHERS FROM CANADA.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1922, Page 4

TEACHERS FROM CANADA.

WELCOME BY TARANAKI TEACHERS. EDUCATION SYSTEMS COMPARED. ; A very pleasant gathering took place at the Victoria League rooms at New Plymouth on Saturday afternoon, when the members of the Taranaki branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute tendered a warm welcome to Misses H. Tracey and Lewis, the Canadian teachers who are stationed in Taranaki un»der the exchange system. Opportunity was also taken to welcome Miss Sharp, a teacher from South Australia, who has joined the staff of the West 'End •hool. There was a good attendance, and the proceeding® were characterised by a warmth that must have made the visitors feel at home. Mr. O. J. Howarth, the president, in extending the welcome on behalf of the teachers in Taranaki, said that the authorities were to be commended on introducing the scheme. This interchange would do much to strengthen the bond® of the Empire, and would not only be beneficial from an educational point of view, but also from a geographical viewpoint. He hoped the visitors would at some future date address the teachers on the work in Canada.

Mr. P. J. H. White, chairman of the Education Board, also spoke, trusting that the visitors would go back with a good opinion of our system, as far as the teachers were concerned. He regretted that they could, not find the money for ideal schools. Each of the guests, on rising to reply, was given a warm reception. Miss Tracey expressed thanks for all the kindness extended to them on every hand since their arrival in New Zealand. They could not find anywhere greater generosity, hospitality or kindness, unless perhaps it was in Canada. Canada, she said, had better school •buildings and better equipment than in New Zealand, but she was greatly impressed by the results obtained by the teachers here, whose work in the face of the big classes, etc., was something marvellous. A® a teacher she felt she had nothing to give the New Zealand teacher, hut rather something to learn. Building and equipment would come in time, but she did not see how the teachers could be improved. Miss Lewis also expressed thanks for the hospitality, which had made her feel at home. The results obtained by the teachers here under the conditions she also considered great. Miss Sharpe also briefly replied. The speeches were interspersed with musical items, including violin solos by Miss G. Leech, accompanied by Miss M. Leech, vocal solo Mrs. Wilkes (encored), and vocal duet Misses Perrott (encored). Dainty afternoon tea was dispensed by members of the Victoria League.