CANDID HEADMASTER.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1922, Page 7

CANDID HEADMASTER.

WANGANUI COLLEGE. STANDARD TOO LOW. RADICAL REFORMS FORECASTED. Somewhat of an educational surprise was created at the prize-giving ceremony at the Wanganui Collegiate School the other night, when the Rev. C. F. Fierce, the new headmaster, who recently arrived from England, expressed rather strong views concerning the future policy of the college. He certainly showed that he was pursuing an ideal. He commenced his criticism by stating that hie observation of the work of the school had led him to the conclusion that it was not nearly of a high enough standard for an institution of that type, and it was his earnest endeavor to raise that standard. He proposed to attempt it by refusing to admit boys who had reached the age of 15 years, by “superannuating” boys who did not make reasonable progress, and by the foundation of some entrance scholarships. A school such as that one, he said, bhould not be allowed to degenerate into a school of merely physical culture. A sound mind in a sound body was all very well, but one should not be developed at the expense of the other. Hie business was that of schoolmaster, and if sympathy, moral support, and cooperation were not forthcoming, he could also be “superannuated,” as he might as well go back to England again. Mr. Pierce said he must be expected to know his job better than the parents, and therefore he must be trusted. Addressing the parents, he said: “I would not presume to dictate to you how you should do your particular jobs, whatever they may be, and I cannot allow you to dictate to me how T should # deal with your boys. It is just as well we should be clear on that point at the outset.” Continuing, he said: ‘At present T want money to found scholarships for boys entering the school. That is my first purpose. The intellectual standard of this school isn’t nearly high enough. It is not worthy of the foundation or the money spent on it. One way to raise the standard is by establishing scholarships, as we do at Home. Do not misunderstand me; I do not give brains the first place in school economy. Character is more important, far more important, but this school is not going to do its duty to the Dominion or the

Empire unless it can claim a reasonable amount of intellectual pride. Therefore I want to improve the intellectual standard of the place. We have got fine material here to work on. Your boys are warm-hearted and responsive. We must give them every chance to take their stand on an equality with men of the most cultured minds in the country. and indeed, in the Empire.” Mr. Pierce made an interesting comparison between the youth of England and the Dominion. Coming direct from one of the smaller English schools, he said he found boys here were generally bigger for their age than those at Home, but the standard of work was two years lower. To counter-balance this New Zealand boys were more resourceful and self-reliant.' The Wanganui Collegiate School had advantages possessed, he supposed, by no other school in the Dominion—a potentially rich foundation good buildings and equipment, sound tradition. It o\icht to prodne- national leaders both in ( l urch and State.

The Governor-General, who was present, in -eferring to the headmaster > comparison between English and New Zealand schoolboys said it was desirable that the New Zealand bos shoußi equal the English bos- in study, as . cy Zealand had given the Old ( ounti.y ‘ lead in many directions, and could gi'o a greater lead.