THE HEAD MASTERS OF DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1178, 24 November 1883, Page 2

THE HEAD MASTERS OF DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, Apropos of your leader last Thursday, be good enough to insert tire following:— (1) -The District High School Systemproud as, if it were true, I nhould be to own it—is not, us far at least as its origination is concerned, one of my "pets." It is the creature of "The Education Act, 18*77." Clause 56 runs! as follows :—" Every such District High - School shall be under the charge of a ', head master and such number of duly qualified masters and assistants as the Board from time to time shall consider * necessary. All the branches of a liberal education, comprising Latin and Greek Classics, French and other modern languages, ma'thematics, and such other branches of Science as the advancement - of the Colony and the increase of popuj lation may from time to time require, may I be taught in the school."

(2)—lf such, according to this enactment, are the subjects the Board o! Education is expected to provide for, it is not unreasonable that the ■ peopleespecially as they are compelled to pay extra feeß—should have the best guaranteeV of efficiency, and it is a University Degree combined with other things, experience, l character, etc.—that affords to the Country, the Board, the Committee, and all concerned, such a guarantee. (3)—lt is not the spirit of the High School Regulations that present Head Masters will be summarily dealt with. Any proposals they make with a view of bringing themselves into harmony with the Regulations, will, I am sure, receive the utmost consideration. Now, will it speak ill for the industry and ambition of such masters if, by raising their own scholastic status, they endeavor to hold their places, gratify their friends, please tneir Committee, fall in with the progressive spirit of High School legislation, and improve—both financially and'socially —their own position. (4)—Extract from last report of In? spector of Schools, Auckland, specially referred to in the last report of Minister of Education, and laid on the table of the House :—"I am convinced that it is desirable to encourage the establishment ct High Schools** .in tho country districts, under the provisions of Clauses 55 and 56 of the Education Act. I was at one time of a Bomewhat different opinion—l feared that the attaching of a High School to an Elementary School would be injurious to the latter. I now think that it is worth running some risk for the sake of the diffusion of culture which these High Schools should bring about; and which can be brought about by them only. Large numbers of country settlers cannot afford to send their children to the secondary schools in the towns, and are beginning to look to the establishment of District High Schools sifrK. the means by which their families can have the advantage of superior education. It is well that this feeling should prevail. It is a feeling which should be fostered. It will not be well if, some time hence, the people of Ne*v Zealand can be described, as another people have been scribed by one of themselves—as 'the most common schooled and the least' cultured people in the world.' "—I am, etc., Geo. Barclay.

Gerald me, « Nov., 1883. P.S. -Of course, I fully appreciate your Inc.l spirit, awl am not at all displeased at your y,oud word for the worthy master of your local school.—G.B.