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Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3828, 5 April 1881, Page 1

At the annual meriting of the Waitaki Branch of the Educational Institute of Otago, the President, .Mr N. Fleming, in the. course of his address spoke as follows regarding teaching infants:—"lf I bad my way teachers of infants would be the ablest of the profession, specially adapted for that work, and the best paid in the school. This is the time when the child is made or marred. This is the time when the mind is to be drawn out, and the intellect opened, and the imagination enlarged. No perfunctory infant-teacher for me. One brimful of love, hopeful in character —enthusiasm bordering on the frivolous —sympathy wide as the poles, with imagery unbounded ; this is my idea of an infant instructor. In closing let me urge upon you the greatness of your responsility. You hare iv your hands the malt ing of our future legislators, preachers, teachers, and besides the moulding of our mechanic population. Sympathise with the bold, encourage", the prompting of genius, and point the way towards greatnessHonor and fame from no condition rise; Act well your part! there all the honor lies ; Worth makes the man, and want of it tha fellow. The rest is all .but leather and prunella? This is a point you should strongly urge on your school. No matter how rich, no matter how clever, he is no man at all if he does not do his duty ; towards his fellows, and act his part well in his particular sphere." Miss Kennedy, sister of the Governor of Queensland, has offer d a prize to the boy in a local grammar school who makes the best bow. In announcing the fact to the children, Sir Arthur Kennedy said:— " I think there are very few things more awkward or disadvantageous to either a boy or girl than not to be able to make a good bow. They must do it some time, or other. You boys will have to bow to some young lady, aud it will be very well ' for you to learn how to do it."