Correspondence.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5281, 21 December 1885, Page 2

Correspondence.

Theae columna are open to all correspondence of nublia interest, but we do not hold ourselves responsible to the opinions jf writers. Correspondence must in »1 cases be authenticated by the real name and mddreta of the writer—not necessary for publication, but M a guarantee of jfood faith. * '

[To the Editor of the Evening Star.] Sib,—lt must be gratifying to parent* and the public generally to notice the excellence of the drawing!, mapi, etc., and the efficient rendering of songs and recitations by our public school children at these annual demonstrations. But the question is, "are these shows and performances honestly examples of what the children usually do ?" Is it not true that, to prepare for the entertainment, many hours, nay, eren weeks, of school time have been taken up ? Such performances as we have seen puffed and advertised lately must, of necessity, hare cost the teachers and children an immensity of laborious study and preparation. Now, if such time is taken from school hours, as I believe is the ease, where are the subjects that are supposed to hare been taught during all these weeks? Arith* metic, composition, and the many other important school subjects must be neglected. And then our children are " crammed " during the remainder of the school year for presentation at the Stand> ards. Is this right ? By all means hay« a jollification at " breaking-up" if you like, but do not let it interfere with the routine of school work for months before* hand, for the sole purpose of glorifying any individual school above its neighbors. This seems to be the main object of such entertainments.—lam, &c,

COMMITTIEIUN.