PARENTS AMAZED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 August 1939, Page 5

PARENTS AMAZED

DISPLAY OF PRIMARY SCHOOL ARTS AND CRAFTS OFFICIAL OPENING YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. DEVELOPMENTS IN EDUCATION. The paramount note struck by speakers al Hie opening- of Hie primary schools' arts and crafts exhibition in tire Municipal Hall last night was one of admiration, and wonder at Ihe exeelleui standard of work attained by such yonthI'ui eral'lsiuen. More than one speaker said it was almost incredible that primary school children could make such articles and that view fairly well expressed the opinion of the many hundreds of parents ' and others who were highly delighted with the exhibition and its many useful and beautiful articles. The exhibition is being continued today. Mr E. G. Coddington, president of the Masterion Head Teachers’ Association, apologised for the absence of the Education Board inspectors, the Mayor (Mr T. Jordan) and Mr J. Robertson-, M.P., Mr Coddington went on to say that the display was a red letter one in the history of education in Masterton. Never on any occasion prior to this had there been such a display of arts and crafts work in Masterton. All agreed that it was a wonderful display and it was almost incredible that primary school children should have been able to produce such work. Mr Coddington said the exhibition had been made posible by a great deal of hearty and willing co-operation by those concerned. He wished to thank the Mayor and councillors for the use of the hall free of charge; Mr E. M. Hodder, of Messrs C. E. Daniell, Ltd., for kindly allowing the use of hessian, wirenetting and timber free of charge, thereby saving pounds; all teachers for their co-operation, the country teachers for sending in so much material, and the town teachers for the hard work they were putting -in and especially Mr Jones, of the Lansdowne School, who was secretary of the committee responsible for the arrangements, and had done a great deal of . work. Mr Coddington went on to explain that as it was felt that in future the boy and girl would have more leisure in this age of machinery, it was their duty as teachers and educationists to see that leisure time would be put to good use. The children were given the opportunity of taking part in games and in addition, they were placing in their hands various arts so that they would be able to spend their time in making many useful articles. Most of the work in the hall had been made from material that the children had to buy. Mr Coddington pointed out that this worked out to the disadvantage of some children and he hoped the time would come when the Education Department would see that the schools were well supplied with materials. In asking Mrs Robertson to accept a woven scarf, made on a loom by Forms I. and 11. of the Featherston School, he thought that it might remind her to bring the matter constantly under the notice of Mr Robertson.

After expressing her thanks and appreciation of the gift, Mrs Robertson congratulated the children and the teachers on the wonderful exhibition of work. No words could describe, she said, how she felt at seeing such work and she could hardly believe that primary school children could have made the articles displayed. She considered that the children were very lucky to be able to learn such work. The modern view of education, she observed, was to teach the use of hands and minds and develop the faculties. She expressed the hope, that the children would not forget this work. In the days of machinery it was a real treat to find that they could do things like those displayed, and she asked them to keep it up after they had left school. Mrs Robertson said she hoped to see some of it at the Centennial Exhibition, as much of it was well worth a place there. She hoped the Education Department would provide more material, and asked parents to show their appreciation by placing a donation in the box. Mrs Robertson then declared the display open. After apologising for the absence of the chairman of the Wellington Education Board, Mr Dyer, and Colonel McDonald, a member of the board, Mr W. R. Nicol (a Masterton representative on the board), said it was very pleasing to see such a wonderful display of art. He pointed out that it had been in the minds of the members of the board to try to make a combined schools display in Masterton. Although the exhibition was such a good one. only thirty schools were represented in the display, out of eighty in the Wairarapa. He did not envy the task of the selectors in choosing articles for lhe Centennial Exhibition. After referring to the methods of teaching art in the years gone by. Mr Nicol said it was really hard to realise that some of the exhibits had been made by the children of primary schools. It was amazing.

Mr F. C. Lopdell. Principal of the Wellington Training College, expressed his appreciation and delight at the very high standard of work achieved hi the schools of the Wairarapa and commented on the wide range of material used. Years ago education was largely a matter of the intellect, but today it was realised that people could express themselves by means of art. Mr I. Hubbard, headmaster of the Newtown School, Wellington, one of the selectors, also refered to the general excellence of the work, stating that there must be many proud teachers in the district. Other members of the selection committee present were Miss M. Hannan and Mr R. Hipkins, who are responsible for the arts and crafts work at the Training College. Mr W. I. Deavoll. secretary of the Wellington Education Board was also present.

During last evening's session a concert was presented by the pupils of Masterton primary schools. The hall was packed to the doors, and the entertainment was a success in every way.

This morning the children of the various Masterton schools inspected the display.