The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1881.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3997, 20 October 1881, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1881.

Afteb giving the turbulent followers of that misguided and egotistical prophet Te Whiti every chance to amicably arrange the question of land settlement at Parihaka, the Government have at last decided on a course of action, which, to our thinking, should have been adopted months and months ago. The only result to be apprehended of the unlimited and unrestrained utterances of the wily prophet, unchecked by Ministers, was. to cause among the Maories of the West Coast a discontented state of mind, and a feeling of hostility and antagonism to the British Government. But for the rhapsodaical discourses of Te Whiti, rendered still more forcible by fancied scriptural prophecies bearing on the Maori race, the natives would have been in a much better condition—infinitely more contented and prosperous than they are to-day. Untutored in prophecy, ignorant of the scriptures, it is not to be wondered at that an unscrupulous and dangerous intriguer should use Divine revelations with re-doubled effect, and should inflame them to open resistance to English law. If bellicose operations eventuate, the Maoris will not have to complain against the Government, but will have to recognise such stringent measures as a just retribution that has come upon them for permitting themselves to be the dupes and tools of the Maori prophet and his Fidus Achates Tohu. From the proclamation of war issued, it appears that the native reserve is ample and just, and we should recommend the natives to think well ere they bring upon themselves such a disastrous calamity as war. Europeans have expended all their patience in endeavoring to bring about a tangible settlement of the question of land reserves for the Maoris, and should war be the means to attain the end desired, it will be short, sharp, and decisive, and will not be terminated until the Maoris are crippled into abject subjection to English rule. Prom the fact ! that Mr Bryce has been re-appointed Native Minister, it seems likely the Government intend to carry their point at the edge i of the sword if necessary, and the reappointment of a gentleman whose feelings in regard to Maori matters are well known, to the position above referred to, gives colour to the supposition. Let us hope that such is the case ; as then the Government have undoubtedly taken the right course, and one for which they will receive the thanks of the Colony at large ; and let us trust that the proclamation is not issued as a piece of bombastic assurance, with the idea of J'righttsuiug^ To

Whiti, for, if so, the object will remain

unattained, and tho Maoris will havo one more instance of the instability and indecision of the English Government, while the Government themselves will impart ah extra blow to the maintenance of British prestige in New Zealand.

We have before us a copy of the reports of the various inspectors of school for the year 1880. On careful perusal of these, we find that for suuud common sense the report of Mr O'Sullivun, of the Auckland Board,- is far in advance of any of tho others. His report throughout shows thorough knowledge ot the subject ho handles, which knowledge has evidently' been obtained through practical observation. All his arguments will bear tho strictest scrutiny, and throughout the report shows itself to be that of an unbiassed, conscientious, and able man. At tho conclusion of his rcpprt'lie quotes from an Australian authority : " Are our boys to turn out a race olf men who will be incapable of-doing anything which is disagreeable to them." " There can be no doubt," he says, " that these words indicate truly the tendencies of the youth of New Zealand, as well as of the youth of Australia. Ido not propose to discuss from what these tendencies have sprung. They have their roots in-.the Colonial social system. I believe the public schools can do something to check their growth; they certainly should not be made a means to stimulate it. They are made a means to stimulate it when pupils are allowed to rule the school. It is true that people are becoming half awake to this danger. We do not of late find so much maudlin sympathy for the sorrows of young culprits who have been treated in some measure according to their deserts. But the fact remains that many teachers are afraid to punish their pupils, and think themselves obliged to pamper them. Parents have complained to me of this. Assistant teachers have complained to me that head teachers will not punish pupils sent up for insubordination, for fear of hurting their popularity. Then teachers find that it is expected of them to provide adulation for children that have done the simplest duty : if a school has been examined in the standards, the certificates obtained by those who have passed the simple test cannot be given out quietly ; they must be distributed with a flourish of trumpets. People are got together, speeches are made, and the pupils are puffed up with injudicious praise* Then entertainments are given to raise money for prizes, which are bestowed with more praise, and more manufacture of conceit. It seems to me monstrous that public schools, which should be distinguished by honest work alone, are allowed to reproduce these worst features of private school Boards and committees. Parents and the Press, and every good .citizen, should be I aiding and assisting the teachers to fight against this system of truckling to pupils, which is fast producing a despotism of children which must become a danger to the State." How true are these remarks; and in many instances do they not touch upon the management of our local educational establishments ? If so, let the evils complained of be eradicated as speedily as possible. It is generally imagined by parents, that if a pupil has much home-work to prepare his education must be rapidly progressing. On this subject Mr O'Sullivan reports as follows:

—" Horae-work should not occupy at most more than an hour, and should be of a light and not perplexing kind. Getting poetry by heart, preparing a reading lessou, or a lesson in physical geography, would be suitable work. Arithmetic should never be given as home-work. Quantities of it are often giv^n, merely, as it would appear, to take up the time which Nature requires for recreation. This practice, if the pupil knows how to work, is useless; if be does not, and is helped, is demoralizing ; if he does uot know, and is not helped, that means perplexity and mental injury." Altogether the report is a most exhausfcire one, and, as it is not our intention to review it in its entirety, those desiring its perusal should do their utmost to obtain a copy.