SIR JAMES PARR.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 24 March 1926, Page 10

SIR JAMES PARR.

VISIT TO BLENHEIM. THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. By T(opprnT>h—Vppsc AssnMatJnn BLENHETAI, Alareh 23. Complying with the expressed wish of the meeting,' Sir Janies Parr, Minister of Education, made reference tc the Junior High School system, in tin oousc of his reply to a civic welcome last evening at the Council Chambers. The AI mister very forcibly recommended the adoption of the system Following a short discussion, tlu gathering showed unanimity in passim, a. resolution that a Junior High Schoo be established at an early date. Sir Janies traversed in an ab.sorbingl\ interesting manner the facts aboul Junior High Schools which have already been made famijiaiv. The neu system meant reducing the wastage of pupils’ time and energies, and re suited in n better product of education It offered a wide variety of courses and provided for manual work, enablim even “Dull Toms’l to enjoy school life and benefit by it. In considering the introduction of the new system, the child must be the one to be considered Junior High Schools were, lie believed in ibe children’s interests, and tlieii adoption should not bo barred because a school committee might bo shorn ol a little dignity, and so on. He must insist most emphatic-ally that the children's interests must come first — before the Government, tho Minister, Boards, Committees, or teachers. Practically every country in the wor’d had adopted an intermediate system, and could New Zealand say that they wore all w/nng and she alone was right? “If you take my advice you won’t waste a minute arguing about it: yon will grip it with both hands. That, however, is a matter for you to decide, and I am not eoing to do anything one way or the >rt*’"r. It is your concern. However. 1 told Afr Girling that if you desired the new system I would make it the final act of my administration to bring it about for you.” Tho meeting unanimously decided that it wanted the system at the earliest opportunity.