AND GOLDFIELD REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1874. "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 418, 19 December 1874, Page 2

AND GOLDFIELD REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1874. "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

We would again return to the subject of School Committees, and their share in the election of teachers. That it might have been a thing wise for the two Committees that had the opportunity to elect the two alumni of the Otago University, we are not in circumstances positively to affirm, not knowing the parties ; but that for such a reason' School Committees in general are to be depi'iv^d of their share in the appointment of teachers, is a position we are disposed to combat. In the special cases, an argument could only be used as against the Committees concerned. It could have no application to other Committees. An argument can alone be based on the general inefficiency of the staff of teachers so selected. Until that be proved, we are content to hold on to the institution as it at present stands. The Committees have no power to elect an uncerfcificated teaoher, save in a case where no such candidate has lodged an application. But one of the points .at issue is that men who have attended a University, and passed muster there, should be subject to an examination by parties appointed by the Education Board. And what for no ? It may be considered sufficient test of scholarship that they have passed a University education ; but their qualifications to teach may still further be subjected to a test, without at all derogating from their status as holding University certificates). It is only requiring of these gentlemen what other professors of a similar character require. A student of theology in the Presbyterian and Episcopal Churches has sometimes to submit to an examination from his inferiors in talent and aitainment ; and why should not students of art suinnit to an examination at the hands of the Education Board, albeit they may not be equal to the great lights of the coming age produced by the Ofcago University % We question very much if the parties should carry their point as against the Committee, that the country would submit to an education ordinance, which would take without further enquiry the students produced by the University. Further, we hold that this combined responsibility in the appointment of teachers has on the whole worked well. That men have been appointed who were not competent is readily granted, because in many cases no other could bo had, and " better a wee house than are bield" has fbeen the guiding principle in their appointment ; but it does not follow from that that they would not have chosen better men had they had the chance. Moreover, we hold that to enlist the community at large in educational matters is beneficial both to the community and to the interests of education. It would be giving over to the Education Board an amount of patronage which would spoil it, and against which the community would in time kick, were it to have the sole privilege of appointment. Such an arrangement would give less satisfaction than the one that now exists, and better, we say, have it as it is. The present arrangement, has the merit of satisfying as large a proportion of the residents in a district as any arrangement could have, and we would urge its continuance. In Victoria, where matters have been earned in the direction urged by the party we have referred to — i.e., the centralizing party —matters do not seem to work so smoothly. Local Boards have in two cases refused to act, because bereft of all power of action, save that of public prosecutors of those parents who do not send their children to school ; and no proper provision is made in the shape of school accommodation to receive them. Such is the ground alleged for their resignation.