ADULT EDUCATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 October 1941, Page 7

ADULT EDUCATION

PROPOSALS FOR GLADSTONE SCHOOL ENDORSED BY RESIDENTS. MEETING LAST EVENING. (“Times-Age” Special.) The furthei'ance of adult education at Gladstone was a matter discussed and approved by Gladstone residents last night at a meeting presided over by Mr A. Wyeth, chairman of the Gladstone School Committee. There was an attendance of forty residents. Among those present were Messrs Alex. Donald and Colonel T. W. McDonald (representing the Wellington Education Board), W. R. Nicol (chairman of the Wairarapa College Board of Governors) and G. G. Hancox (Principal of Wairarapa College). The following resolutions were passed: On the motion of Mr Tahana, seconded by Mr M. J. Strang: “That this meeting of residents of the Gladstone district approves the scheme of adult education and recommends the Education Board to remove the old school to the proposed new site for continuation classes.” Cn the motion of Mr Strang, seconded by Mr M. J. Walker: "That we favourably recommend the establishment of baths and dressing room accommodation for the use of the pupils at Gladstone Primary School.” Before proceeding to give an outline of the proposals regarding adult education, Mr Donald paid a tribute to the services and keen interest shown in the movement by Mrs Dodds, a former teacher at Gladstone. Possible further requirements at the school were a library, gymnasium and swimming pool, with, in addition, lawn tennis courts, basketball courts and a football ground. Improvements were also wanted to the school residence. It was the board’s endeavour to provide amenities comparable to those in towns and the average home of today. Mr Donald emphasised the necessity for adult education, or continuation classes. The tendency for pupils to leave school for work without their minds being sufficiently developed retarded their after life and continuation classes would be a corrective. Gladstone had experienced the benefit of continuation classes in woodwork, dressmaking and cooking. He suggested that in a farming centre such as Gladstone these classes could be extended in the direction of the development of primary industries. Today scientific methods were demanded. Lectures could be given by the W.E.A.. Agricultural Department officers, and Young Farmers’ Clubs, and such things as wool-classing, Maori arts and crafts, basket making, etc., could be taught. There could be no limit to the extension of the work. While Wairarapa College offered facilities there were transport difficulties. These were questions for the board. Could they justify the ’expense in the removal of the old school building to a more convenient site on thd school grounds, the provision of the necessary equipment and of instructors? Gladstone could cater for students from Te Whiti to Longbush. He suggested that a local committee or some kind of organisation was wanted to deal with the matter. In the words of the late Sir Maui Pomare: "The tide of progress is sweeping on and we must go with it. Education must be the future paddle for our canoe.” Referring to bathing accommodation at Gladstone school, Mr Donald held that the erection of baths was necessary. He considered that the meeting should recommend the Department to give its approval and the residents their full co-operation for the development of the school in all aspects. A local effort was required and it was ■ a great opportunity for Gladstone to lead in a new venture. ! Colonel McDonald and Mr Nicol en- ; dorsed Mr Donald’s remarks, stressing • the need of local effort and co-opera-tion. Mr Hancox outlined the work that had been carried out by Wairarapa College and promised the College’s full support in the movement. Mrs Dodds, former teacher at Glad--1 stone, expressed the hope that the ven- ’ ture would be a successful one.