MINISTERS VISIT

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10626, 3 May 1912, Page 5

MINISTERS VISIT

THE NEW ASSEMBLY HALL. The Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister of Education, jpolid an official visit to Masterton yesterday, to open tho assembly hiall at the District High School. The Minister was met, ait the railway stettion. by Mr O. R. Sykes, M.P., His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. M. Ooradine), Messrs A. W. Hogg and A. H. Vile (members of the Education, Board), Mr tR>. Brown (chairman), and menubere of the School Committee. The Minister was taken to the- Gub Htltel, where he lunched with the School Committee. Hie was rafterwswds motored round the town in company with the Hon. Dt Buck, who had been here dor a day or two on Native business. The function flb the school took pi ace at 2.30 ,p.,m., the new iassembly hail being crowded with visitors and children.. The chair was occupied by Mill. Brown (chairman <af the School Committee), and tin© members of the Education Board and School Committee occupied seatts upon the pliatform. Mr R. Brown, chairman of the School Oomimittee, m introducing the Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister of Education,, 'said that (they were'there to open a. new branch of the Masterton District School for which they had worked for a consiajena'blo time, and on behalf of tilie School Oommiitteo he 'had to thank the Minister far coming to open the new hall, and he also wished .to thank the Hon. Te Riamgahiroa for attending the function. Mr Hianaii, as the new Minister for Education, had already made a start in fostering education in New Zealand by talking steps to introduce the medical inspection of eethools, for which ho (the rpaaker) considered there was great need. The Minister was. also moving in. the direction of giving greater" facilities to University education. He (Mr Brown) thought that a great .deal could yet he done in. the way of bringing practical education moro in touch with theoretical work. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. M. Ooradine) in- extending a welcome to the Minister for Education and the Hon t -.Td Rangibi.roa;. said .that i\ was a, pleasure to...welcome;;guclr.difftang;.. uished visitc-m to Masterton, whose presence,-rfhiould be -thoughthighly of, as,the time cf the iYunirters of tho ■ Crown was. very fully occupied, and their presence there thlat day showed that they were in sympathy with the work of education.. . In concluding, Mr Ooradine hoped that the visitors would see enough cf Masterton on this occasion to cavse them to return on some future occasion. Mr G. R. Sykes, M.P., in welcoming the Ministers, to Masterton for tho first time, in a Ministrial capacity, said that it was a pleasure to the ■'people cf Miceterton to welcome tho MGuis-ters icf the Crown, wbb would see for themselves what a prosperous and important district this was. The •task of a Minister was a very delicate :ne at timer, and required delicate .'handling. ■• • ■ the thanks of the people of Masterton were- duo t# itbe "tbxi-iij-- gentlemen for sparing the time to visit Masterton on this important occasion. In referring ito the Minister of Education, he' Was sure .that Mr Hanan would prove a worthy |sucoc*sor of Mr G. Fowlds, late Minister for Education. Tihirty years ago | the Masterton School was l looked upon |---ftf cf fiUcQi Large dtanensions that it ■wias not thought that any increase in ftjlie size of tho building would be necessary. But time had altered all that, and .the school (had to he greatly enlarged to ccpe with the increase in ..the roll, and now Uhese additions were culminated in .-the present commodious nsosmibly hialK .tie (the speaker) looked to Mafcterton as- an important seat of learning, and children from Uxe c-uthing districts came to the iscihocl to.receive a higher education, Sis- ■in Masterton the people had a splendid educational centre, the equal of any -institution in the Dominion. (Applause). This result was due to the excellent management and educational acumen of the iworthy headmaster, Mr W. H. Jackson)j who, ably assisted by a capable -staff, had brought -tiito Masterton School .to its present "'high standard of efficiency. He (Mr Sykes) hoped .u'alt by the aid of the Trust Lands Trust, Government subsidies, and the assistance of wealthy citizen©, Masterton would at some future date diave an important college in iwihidh its boys, and girls might receive a higher education,. In conclusion, he extended, on behalf of the people of Masterton, a hearty welcome .to the Ministers, who, he hoped, would make this 1 ihte first of rnany visits to tho district. Mr Lee, chairman' ctf the Wellington Education Board, said that it gave Ihim tho greatest .pleasure to again visit Mbsterton. That the people oi till© ittovsai had the true interests ol education at heart wias obvious. Masterton bad undoubtedly, one of the best., iff net the' best, school in- the Wellingtlon Education district. It was ■many years since be first visited the (Master-ton Sdhoc-O, and anyone whe came under his supervision then must bo quite fifty years old now, and he had pleasure in recently renewing ao cruaintauoe- with some cf the old boy* "i 'j»^iiwwww«iinniiiii———l>—l" l "™

of tbe school. Tiiere was a. large .OMimiber of men wbo bad come under his jurisdiction in Masterton, and he hoped they were none the worse for it. He had been an enthusiast in education a'll' his life, and had always taken, ithe greatest interest in the welfare of the young men. It was aliways a pleasure to address gathering of children., and to say something ito ithieni which would leave an impression on their minds. The question as o wnut was meant by education tad not y t 'been fmJly answered. In bis opinion- education meant learning te live, and tended to make men and women. It meant the training of the ibbdy and miind to gain impressions which would be useful in after life. No two mind® were alike, and so the world was full of varied 'occupatione, Siuited for men- and women of different abilities and tendencies. A cJilild often struck out in the very opposite direotiion. to that which ' was ait (first tibtougfhifc .to be suited for him. Boys and girls- must be educated, in order to fit tbtem for the great battle of life. New methods were being brought into schbols at the present day, and nehv subjects were being taught. He had nothing but praise for •the rural branch of instruction which was being introduced' into the schools of the Dominion, iw/little the work of techuidal sdbobls was of the greatest ■value and importance, and fitted a boy for any branch of life he might (have an aptitude for. In reference to military training, w/hieih he was pleased to see was. in force in the Masterton School, he considered it an excellent thi«g. It was not only from the anaJitiary aspect, but it wias good to be •taught discipline and to learn to obey. He via& pleased to see that the question cf medidai inspection was to be considered, as he thought it tended to make boys and girls grow up of sound stamina, and sound mind. It was astounding Wow little parents and sometimes teachers knew about the ailmente of ithoir cliildren. Since medical inspection, of cliildren had 'l*6ll introduced in England, a great improvement was noticeable, and the parents teiok greater notice of the medical •wants of ithe little one®. Health, said Mr Lee, was tho first' wealth, and edu- , Cation ecm'l&ned with it made a> heal- • thy and pi<ccperous community. He was pleased to come to Masterton and (see -that the..people placed proper ; value upon education 1 . : In : this; resipect ; ithey .resembled the Scotch, w ; lio sei.;-. grciater store en education than did. (tiio Englifii or the Irisb/ Some disteicts gave more attention, to leduoar l . ! tion than ethers, and Masterton ..was one of hem. . Two men!-did much to bring education to its presomv position in Maeterton, and without friction he said that Mr Grundy and Mr W. H. Jackson were responsible for the ex- ; oellent attainments of the Masterton . Sdiool. In conclusion,. Mr Lee hoped that every hoy and girl before him would remember that they bad a ahaTactor to make, and (lie advised tbem to endeavour M find out their special faculty, and develop lit fully, and they would come cut well. I Mr Jackson, headmaster, expressed ••liis gratitude to tiho&e wlio had as'sis.ted in the obtafcnm&.of the building. Many' -times : he had; been, (asked what purpose the ball would tfulnl. .The hall would be of tbe upmost importance in tbo life of the school. Just as people required a dining room, so did the school require a daily ilife rocm., which they now had in the new building. He had a letter from Mr J f S. Tennant, who bad recently returned from the 'Continent, where he bad studied all the latest advancements in education, and that-gentleman, wiho, Mr Jackson said, -wlas one of the highest educationalists in N.Z.,-iii br» letter offered conigriittnilatitoiiis on- tbe oi>e<ning of tho 'splendid and necessary-■■'adjunct to scliool life. The asscmibly balls in Educational Engfland are looked upon a& of first importance. Ibe hall had "not been given for the first time of asking, but nothing that .was of great valute was secured. at first- request. Mr Jackson thamked the-late Premier, Sir Joseph AVard, and Sir James Car-. itoll, for procuring for them the hall, and, he (Mr -JacJkjton). assured the people of Ma-stertoii that excellent use would be made 1 of itfc for the benefit of the children. Several necessary articles we're yet required for the building, but be .wasi sure tbe Minister for Education would see to it that theroom would not be maii-ed for want of furniture.. Mr Jackson also referrI ed to tbe museum, which he regarded as a. most valuable accessory to tho jlsdiool, and in connection with . which excellent and valuable work would be done. He thanked all for tbeir presence there, (and especially those who j sassisted in scouring the assembly hall. He assured them <all that bis work was not a task, but a pleasant duty, and be woukl not change places with the Minister, of Education himself. I The Hon. Te Bangibiroa, spid that : it gave 'him great pJea-siure to be : ! present at ouch an fimportant function, He heartily congratulated tbe ] people of Masterton en their splendid \a-sse.mbly room, wtfwob was an excellent adjunct to tbe school. As a mediteal man he considered itiliat tbo build- ] ing would be of the greatest use in developing the best interests of the cbil- [ "dron. He also congratulated Masterton on the splendid museum, which

foad opened Iris ©yes, and was the first of the kind he had Been in oomiectioai with any school in tiho country. Tin use of the museum would certainly be great as a factor of education. Hi wished ito offer his congratulations ti the people .of Mastcrtou on the ver\ capable headmaster ami staff who hau ] tthiarge <of .the .school. If there was one J person to whom the Maori raco looked 1 lup to it was to the Natlive schoolmas -' iter, and tins Ihe was sure was equally true of Europeans. After anatim Wmsiideration, he came to the conclusion tluat no calling was of more importance to the fcState than that cJ the teajdhor, .who had the important duty of preparing the children for the duties of life. .Europeans were a higMy fcTviuiised race thousands of years 'before the Maori race had emerged from whfcit was called the stone age, relic® of which he had noticed in, the school museum. When Captain Oook Qaane to New Zealand a century or ,so ago, tflie Maoris were still shut up in the stone age, while the ancestors of I iiliet■ Europeans ootatuiienced their emtaioipatr.on close upon 3000 years ago," and civilisation had been slowly working, until the European race had arrived ait its present advanced state, chiefly (through the advancement of «ducation. The Maoris began to emerge less than a hundred years ago, and he (now looked to education to 'bridge- the gap which existed between the two races. Modern education t should he open .to everyone, and not I he confined ito'the children of the j wealthy, as was the case in the past, j The Scotch, as a race, were the only people who seemed ahle to send their hoys to, the University their parents might be in humble circumstances, aind it was from the sons of ppar parents that the best brains of Scbtiland had sprung in the, past. Jf they could (struggle through under thlese adverse circumstances, many more should be able to do the same. New Zeafiand must have an avenue for all to go to the High School and on to the- Universities., Senior and junior free places had given everyone an' opportunity of gaining a higher education,, and his chance should be extended to tall, so thiat! they might at- j tain the best position education could offer. The speaker remembered when he /twenty yea 11s ago, came to Masterton, to work on- a sheep station, but not being satisfied. ■vsbk. / his position, fa& saved enough money and gained a University educatkai and a jnedicaT degree. If he did'not have that opportunity he iraright be- to-day a rouse- ( about oa a station. He w*as sure that there were boys and girls amongst them that day who were capable of doing the same if they had tlw> opportunity. All that was required was; a good sporting chance. In mentioning the medicarinspectipn of children,,,the speaker said that this question was often lost sight of .by the parents, and there were many cases where a hoy or girl: was accounted dull, while suffering from deafness or..pome other eom- ! plaint, wh'ich if taken in hand at the ipropc<r .time migh(t be easily-cured. If the physical fitness of tine children was to be developed, they must look after their health., and to this end medical j inspection of chiJlairen was "a step in / the right direction. Teachers would J have a hand in th:s, and all ailments) would be reported rr.cn. The Government would no doubt consult with the British Medical Arrcc:at:on as to the best (methods to ho adopted, as the' medffdai profession must be considered in the miatter, and so work in harmony with the Education authorities. A sound tmi'nd and a sound body was what was required. The physique of the young should be carefully guarded, so that the future New Zeallanderis ould be no disgrace to the original people of the country, and that was the Maori race. Tjbo Hon. J. A. Hanaru, Minister thanked his.hearers for the splendid reception given his col- j league, Br Buck, and himself. It j was &■ great pleasure to visit the dis- ( ■triftt. He had not previously visited the district, but he had heai-d a great deial aibout the prospeatty of the locality, from his friend and late colleague, Mr A. W. Hogg, who had pn many occasions urged' the claims of the district, and mentioned its great re- j source©. He was pleased .to see his ( old friend amongst them again in restored health. He was also pleased to see £c much evidence of the prosperity of the town and district, and the many indications that the people were promoting pu'blic institutions and .municipal/ buildings. He was glad to see the evidence cf facilities. for educating the young,- which was a hopeful sign, as interest in. education ' was the leading essential to the prosperity of the country. A high education system should he aimed at, which would be an. inspiring ideal. To have right social state ciu was necessary to have''(the- right men. Legislation had done much good country and to the community in bringing about- good •conditions. The spirit of self help and.the developing of. unselfishness were necessary essentials to individual dvanoeonent. Temperance and elf (reliance never, were agncies and influences which induced high 'ideals and progress. .The higher democracies must be intelligent and of strong character. There was a great need for an educational system to

properly equip the young people for the battle of life. New Zealand had a splendid! system, of State education. Br Buck had stated to them what) education had done for him. The> inM of » fane© University was to bo Kept am view. Much had already beend»ne_ by secondary education. Boys SamiJ'gairls went to Hligh School, irrespective of position, and/ lie thought , ifflio Uiwvensity should be Vjpeoed in tffiio Same way, in forder .to develop the best talents and brains of the (people. The best investment a country can have is that which improves Ithe foody and mind of the young people. He could see around him the nucleus of a great nation. The future of the country a-osted with the boys ' and girls of New Zealand, who would help to make a great nation. There had been many changes in the teaching of the young, and education now sought at speciah'eing in subjects, so that children might be fitted for the various callings in life. What the country wanted was Iskilled men. If New Zealand was to hold its own, it must Slave artisans-skilled in head and ftnand. If agriculture was to be a success in the country .the farmers minst be trained to scientific methods of production. He congratulated the Boairds of 'Elducatiion for establishing agricultural courses in the (schools. The ■Welragfcon Education. Bbard was to he especially congratulated (for their ) work in this direction. In referring jto he museum in connection with the i school, Mr Hanan said that the musieu,m. was of great value as an adjunct to the sdhool work. Masterton was Ito be congratulated on liaving such aw able headirfaster and (an excellent staff, which, the speaker said was of the* utmost importance, as it was necessary to have the best teachers. Their appointment was a sacred matter, and should be made only according to merit, which should be the only passport to the position. If a man were capable, no matter (where he hailed ffrom>, he should (receive the appointment. Every teacher' of merit should have {tile opportunity of attaining to the highest positions of a profession. : which was the noblest in tthe land. Good teachers were wanted to Jbuild up ai national spirit amongst the children, they should be taught to admire patriotism, aaid to develop a love for New Zealand, and a pride-in,.their country which would plnoe .New Zealand in a high' position amonppt the* nations!' So he hoped the boys and.,girk would keep up their studies after leaving school. Many (iMmk tHiat when they / Octave school thefr education is complete, when they really (only have had a grounding. The technical school was a splendid institution, which should bpv Availed of by the* boy's ..and girls whe-n----they Heave the primary school. Tho importance of continuation classes ' * could 'ot be jtoo much enlarged." The future of the country lies' with the" • - trained thinker and the skilled work- ; or. A system of medical inspection . was productive of splendid results, and should be supported by . every right thinging man- and woman in. the •community.. _. AJir Hanan referred to the wants bf the backbloclcs, and said ! that before money would he granted J scientific education, primary educa- 5 - \ taon in the ; bacK'■■country would jto be attended to. Primary educa-. ■ tion the first duty, and it.. ■ was Mis duty to bring about a sound system of education, and he therefore wanted tfo sVk> Hie. money spent to the' : best adA-aatage. He congratulated Mjasterton,. on its new hall, "which, would he a splendid, adjunct, to the school, and woukl help to develop the Social life of the school. The proceedings were terminated • with cheers for the various speakers, and aJso for the headmaster, which rvere given vociferously. Afternoon ten was dispensed by the children, and during the afternoon.' j the visitors were escorted to the dif-ifca-ent places of interest in connection j with the school. ' — ?